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 excavation of the Yuanbaoshan Jishizhong, a significant burial site from the Hongshan culture, reveals important artifacts and insights into the social structure and burial practices of ancient societies in Inner Mongolia [6][21][30]. Group 1: Excavation Details - The Yuanbaoshan Jishizhong is located 1.5 kilometers north of Baji Village in Aohan Banner, Inner Mongolia, and is characterized by stone-built tombs typical of the Hongshan culture, dating back approximately 5,400 to 5,000 years [1][6][21]. - The excavation team, led by Party Yu, faced challenges due to a recent tomb robbery, necessitating urgent rescue excavations [1][6]. - The site has yielded over 100 jade artifacts, with the M15 tomb being the largest and most significant, containing three jade pig dragons, which are emblematic of the Hongshan culture [6][23][30]. Group 2: Cultural Significance - The Yuanbaoshan site is considered one of the most important discoveries in recent years within the Hongshan cultural context, influencing perceptions of social hierarchy and burial customs [6][7][21]. - The discovery of the "tomb-altar integrated" structure at Yuanbaoshan is unprecedented, indicating a dual function of burial and ritual practices [11][13][30]. - The presence of jade artifacts, particularly the jade pig dragons, suggests a complex distribution system of jade within the Hongshan culture, reflecting social stratification and cultural identity [23][31][30]. Group 3: Archaeological Findings - The excavation revealed a total of 21 tombs, including nine from the Hongshan culture, with significant variations in size and structure indicating social hierarchy [15][18][21]. - The M15 tomb, which is the only one with a stepped stone coffin, raises questions about the location of a potential central tomb, as it is positioned towards the southern part of the burial site [17][18][21]. - The "hiding jade in walls" phenomenon, where jade artifacts were found embedded in the walls of the tombs, suggests a ritualistic practice that may have been common in other Hongshan sites [29][30].