Core Insights - The article discusses the contributions of Guo Dashun to the study of Hongshan culture, emphasizing his role in archaeological discoveries and his academic lineage from Su Bingqi, a prominent figure in Chinese archaeology [1][2][3]. Group 1: Contributions to Hongshan Culture - Guo Dashun is recognized as the leading figure in Hongshan culture, having led significant archaeological excavations that revealed important artifacts, establishing Hongshan as one of the three major sources of Chinese civilization over 5,000 years ago [1]. - He proposed a new understanding that there should be a structure of higher significance than the "Goddess Temple" within the Hongshan culture [1]. - Recent discoveries in Hebei, including a large number of Hongshan cultural relics, suggest that the culture may have migrated southward during its peak [2]. Group 2: Academic Influence and Legacy - Guo Dashun, a disciple of Su Bingqi, continues to advocate for the idea that Hongshan culture is a direct root of Chinese civilization, emphasizing the importance of Su's academic thoughts in contemporary archaeology [1][2]. - The article highlights the significance of Su Bingqi's theories, particularly the continuity of Chinese civilization and the importance of ritual systems, which Guo Dashun elaborates on in his discussions [5][6]. - Guo Dashun's reflections on Su Bingqi's legacy indicate that his academic contributions remain relevant in current archaeological discourse, particularly in understanding the origins of Chinese civilization [17][18]. Group 3: Archaeological Methodology and Perspectives - The article discusses the need for a combination of archaeological findings and historical texts to reconstruct ancient history, emphasizing that archaeological evidence should validate historical narratives [29][30]. - Guo Dashun advocates for a collaborative approach between archaeologists and historians to enhance the understanding of ancient cultures, suggesting that archaeological methods should be applied to historical research [36]. - The discussion includes the importance of diverse perspectives in archaeology, encouraging a "hundred schools of thought" approach to foster deeper insights into ancient civilizations [28].

Core Viewpoint - The "Dragon Soars China: Hongshan Culture Ancient Civilization Special Exhibition" is currently being held at the Shanghai Museum, showcasing 310 cultural relics from 20 cultural institutions, including 68 first-class and 39 second-class relics [1] Group 1: Cultural Significance - The Hongshan culture, which thrived from approximately 4700 to 2900 BC in the Liao River basin, is recognized for its advanced primitive agriculture, animal husbandry, and unique burial mounds and goddess temple relics [1] - The culture is particularly noted for its exceptional jade craftsmanship, exemplified by the "First Dragon of China," which is described as having a smooth surface and intricate carvings achieved through complex techniques without metal tools [1] Group 2: Artifacts - In addition to jade artifacts, pottery is a significant component of the Hongshan culture, featuring simple yet representative designs such as zigzag patterns and cloud motifs, reflecting the aesthetic preferences and technical skills of the time [2] - A variety of artifacts are displayed, including jade items like the jade pig dragon, jade phoenix, and various pottery forms such as painted pots and jars [4][5][6][7]