Core Viewpoint - The article emphasizes the continuous innovation and evolution of Chinese civilization, highlighting the significance of archaeological discoveries, particularly in the context of the Majiayao culture and its contributions to understanding early Chinese society and craftsmanship [1][2]. Group 1: Archaeological Discoveries - The Tsiwa site in Gansu's Dingxi City is identified as the largest Neolithic settlement west of the Longshan Mountains, revealing extensive evidence of housing, pottery kilns, and exquisite painted pottery [1]. - Significant findings include the first discovery of a triple rectangular layout of moats, a large-scale pottery production area, and the confirmation of a high-status, central settlement of the Majiayao culture [1][2]. Group 2: Cultural Continuity and Development - The Majiayao culture is recognized as a successor and promoter of the Yangshao culture, showcasing the development level and civilization of early societies in the western Loess Plateau around 5000 years ago [2]. - The article notes that the continuity of civilization is often intangible and requires archaeological efforts to make it visible and tangible [2]. Group 3: Economic and Social Evolution - Researchers suggest that the painted pottery of the Majiayao culture indicates a trend towards commodification and the importance of commercial development within the society [2]. - The evolution of social forms in the Majiayao culture reflects the adaptation to advancements in productivity, showcasing the dynamic nature of Chinese civilization [2]. Group 4: Cultural Exchange and Integration - The Majiayao culture is positioned at the forefront of East-West cultural exchanges, with its painted pottery influencing various regions, indicating a pre-Silk Road exchange of civilization [3]. - The article highlights the openness and inclusivity of Chinese civilization, which has absorbed various elements from other cultures, contributing to its enduring vitality [3].

Core Insights - The article discusses the archaeological findings in the Xiliao River basin, highlighting its significance as one of the important birthplaces of Chinese civilization, with evidence of human history dating back over a million years and cultural history spanning 10,000 years [1] Group 1: Archaeological Findings - The Xiliao River, as a source of the Liao River, has geographical features that facilitated early civilization development, with rich prehistoric sites and artifacts proving its importance in the formation of Chinese civilization [1] - The Xiliao River basin saw the emergence of dragon imagery and sophisticated jade artifacts around 8,000 years ago, indicating the onset of civilization [1] - The Neolithic cultural sequence in the Xiliao River region includes several cultures such as Xiahexi, Xinglongwa, Zhaobaogou, Fuhe, Hongshan, and Xiaheyan, with the Xinglongwa culture being particularly dominant due to its agricultural practices and jade customs [1] Group 2: Hongshan Culture - The Hongshan culture, particularly the Dongshanzui and Niuheliang sites, has sparked significant research interest since the 1980s, leading to discussions about the origins of Chinese civilization [2] - The "Goddess Temple" at the Niuheliang site features artistic clay sculptures of female figures and is characterized by its ceremonial architecture, indicating a complex societal structure [2] - Burial practices in the Hongshan culture, such as the construction of stone mounds, reflect a hierarchical relationship among the deceased, with central and peripheral graves [2] Group 3: Cultural Artifacts - Jade artifacts are the primary burial items in the Hongshan culture, showcasing strict burial regulations and the significance of jade in funerary practices [3] - The late Hongshan culture (5,300 to 5,000 years ago) marked the emergence of the "Hongshan Ancient State," where interactions with the Yangshao culture led to the development of unique pottery designs combining dragon and floral motifs [3] Group 4: Bronze Age Discoveries - The discoveries from the Bronze Age in the Xiliao River region include the Lower and Upper Xiujiaodian cultures, with the Lower culture dating from 2000 to 1500 BC and showing evidence of city-state formations [4] - The Upper Xiujiaodian culture, dating from the Western Zhou to the Spring and Autumn period, indicates close interactions with the central plains states of Yan and Qi, with artifacts reflecting strong influences from central Chinese ceremonial practices [4] - The latest findings from the Chinese civilization exploration project define the period from 5,800 to 5,200 years ago as the beginning of Chinese civilization, with the Niuheliang site being a representative cultural site of this phase [4]

"郑家沟1号积石冢的考古发现表明，张家口地区可能是红山文化晚期区域中心。"张文瑞说，这里出土 的蚌饰、珍珠饰件和彩陶等遗存，为研究红山文化晚期迁徙路径、埋葬制度、祭祀习俗等提供关键材 料。 内蒙古自治区文物考古研究院院长孙金松介绍，2021年以来，内蒙古在西辽河流域开展一系列考古调查 与发掘工作，取得丰硕成果。 新华社北京9月22日电（记者贺书琛、吴文诩）22日，在2025北京文化论坛"西辽河文化与中华文明起源 及其现代意义"专业沙龙上，河北省、内蒙古自治区、辽宁省文物考古研究院分别发布"十四五"期间西 辽河流域系列考古成果，涵盖聚落形态、祭祀体系、生业方式等，为研究西辽河地区社会复杂化进程提 供新依据。 河北省文物考古研究院院长张文瑞介绍，近年来河北在西辽河流域共发现300余处新石器时代遗址、70 余处商周时期遗址。 在平泉东山头遗址考古发掘中，考古队员首次在红山文化墓葬中发现墓内玉器与陶塑人像的组合，反映 出红山文化葬制的复杂性及其演变动向，该遗址的其他发现揭示红山文化晚期墓葬的布局、等级和出土 器物的差异性，说明红山文化晚期社会阶层出现分化。 辽宁省文物考古研究院院长白宝玉介绍，近年来辽宁在朝阳、阜新地 ...

Core Insights - The article discusses the archaeological significance of the Shangshan site in Zhejiang Province, which is recognized as one of the earliest Neolithic sites in the lower Yangtze River region, dating back approximately 11,000 to 8,500 years [2][4]. Archaeological Discoveries - The Shangshan site was discovered during a rescue excavation prompted by land leveling activities in 2000, leading to the preservation of this ancient cultural site [2]. - Initial excavations revealed a complete ceramic ding and other artifacts, confirming the site's association with the Liangzhu culture [3][4]. - Subsequent excavations from 2004 to 2006 uncovered multiple house sites, indicating that the Shangshan culture had established settled villages, with evidence of early rice agriculture [5]. Cultural Significance - The findings at the Shangshan site have challenged traditional views, establishing it as a significant origin point for rice cultivation in China, pushing back the timeline of agricultural development in the region by several thousand years [4][12]. - The Shangshan culture is recognized as one of the earliest and most extensive Neolithic cultures in the Qiantang River basin, contributing to the understanding of early agricultural and settlement practices in southern China [12]. Architectural Insights - The site features a well-preserved structure with three rows of post holes, suggesting the presence of stilt houses, which may represent the earliest known examples of such architecture in China [8][11]. - The discovery of a moat surrounding the settlement indicates an early awareness of land ownership and community defense [11][16]. Agricultural Practices - Evidence of early rice cultivation was found, including carbonized rice grains and agricultural tools, indicating that the Shangshan people had developed techniques for planting and processing rice [8][12][13]. - The presence of storage pits for food and pottery suggests a surplus production and possibly early ritual practices related to storage and offerings [9][12]. Artistic Developments - The Shangshan culture is noted for its early pottery, including painted ceramics, which reflect advanced artistic techniques and possibly ritual significance [15][16]. - The incorporation of rice husks and other plant materials in pottery production demonstrates the innovative practices of the Shangshan people [14][15].

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].