Core Viewpoint - The "Dragon Rising China: Hongshan Culture Ancient Civilization Exhibition" at the Shanghai Museum showcases the latest archaeological discoveries and research results of the Hongshan culture, highlighting its formation, development, and influence through significant artifacts and findings [1][2][3]. Group 1: Exhibition Overview - The exhibition focuses on the iconic cultural symbol of the Hongshan culture, the jade dragon, and includes new archaeological discoveries from Liaoning, Inner Mongolia, and Hebei, creating a comprehensive picture of the Hongshan culture's evolution [1]. - The Hongshan culture dates back approximately 6,500 years and lasted until about 4,800 years ago, with its sites covering nearly 300,000 square kilometers [1]. Group 2: Cultural Characteristics - Continuity and innovation are key features of the Hongshan culture, with typical pottery like the flat-bottomed cylindrical jar and the emergence of jade and painted pottery reflecting its innovative spirit [1]. - The variety and quantity of jade artifacts increased, evolving into ceremonial vessels with social functions, while painted pottery served as a medium for cultural exchange with the Central Plains [1]. Group 3: Ritual and Social Structure - The establishment of a ritual order centered around ceremonial activities formed the institutional basis for ancient state civilizations, with significant sites like the Niuheliang site in Liaoning indicating a complex ritual system [2]. - Differences in jade artifact quality and size among high-status members suggest the emergence of a hierarchical order, similar to historical records [2]. Group 4: Archaeological Discoveries - The decline of the ritual center at the Niuheliang site around 5,000 years ago raises questions about whether it was due to an overemphasis on rituals or environmental changes [3]. - The discovery of the Zhengjiagou site provides insights into the southward migration of the Hongshan culture's population, enriching the narrative of its integration into the Central Plains [3]. Group 5: Cultural Significance - The jade dragon, a complex and widely distributed artifact, symbolizes the intricate jade ritual system of the Hongshan culture and reflects societal acceptance of its hierarchical order [3]. - The numerous archaeological findings from the Hongshan culture offer important clues for exploring the origins of Chinese civilization from both institutional and spiritual perspectives [3].