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]

Core Viewpoint - The exhibition "Dragon Soars China: Special Exhibition of Hongshan Culture Ancient Civilization" showcases the development of dragon-shaped artifacts over 5,000 years, emphasizing the significance of Hongshan culture in understanding the origins of Chinese civilization [1][29]. Exhibition Overview - The exhibition is structured around the theme of "dragon," with three main sections: "Dragon Emerges from Liao River," "Dragon Travels Hongshan," and "Dragon Spreads Across the Nine Provinces," highlighting the connection between prehistoric dragon culture in the Liao River basin and Hongshan culture [3][15]. - A central "Axis of Civilization" in the exhibition links various dragon-shaped artifacts, illustrating their emergence, development, and influence within the context of Hongshan culture [5][15]. Key Artifacts - The exhibition features significant dragon-shaped artifacts, including a stone dragon from the Zuojiashan site, dated to approximately 6,000 years ago, which may represent the earliest known stone-carved dragon in China [6][8]. - A newly discovered shell dragon artifact from the 2023 excavation at the Caitaopo site in Inner Mongolia provides important insights into the evolution of dragon imagery and beliefs in Hongshan culture [8][10]. - The exhibition includes 16 jade dragons, comprising one C-shaped dragon and 15 pig-shaped jade dragons, showcasing the diversity and significance of these artifacts in Hongshan culture [10][12]. Cultural Significance - The jade dragon is considered a vital ceremonial object in Hongshan culture, with various interpretations regarding its symbolism, including connections to agriculture and celestial beliefs [15][17]. - The exhibition also highlights 38 human-shaped artifacts, reflecting ancestor worship traditions in the Liao River basin, spanning from 8,000 to 4,000 years ago [19][23]. Archaeological Discoveries - Recent archaeological findings, including large settlement sites and burial mounds, have enriched the understanding of Hongshan culture's social structure and burial practices [25][27]. - The Hongshan culture is recognized as a representative archaeological culture of the "ancient state era," significantly contributing to the understanding of the origins of Chinese civilization [27][29].