Core Insights - The article discusses the archaeological significance of the Majiabang culture, particularly focusing on recent discoveries in the Yangtze River Delta region, which date back approximately 6000 to 7000 years [1][9][10]. Group 1: Majiabang Culture Overview - The Majiabang culture is categorized into three main cultural systems, with the third system being the Majiabang-Congze-Liangzhu culture, which is highlighted in the article [1]. - The Majiabang culture is primarily distributed in the Taihu Lake region, with nearly a hundred related sites covering an area of approximately 37,000 square kilometers [9]. Group 2: Recent Discoveries - Recent archaeological findings include the successful retrieval of ancient human genomic data from the Majiabang culture, filling gaps in ancient DNA research in the lower Yangtze region [1]. - A significant discovery was made at the Doushan site in Wuxi, where a city site dating back about 6000 years was uncovered, marking it as one of the earliest prehistoric city sites in China [1]. Group 3: Archaeological Excavations - The Majiabang site was first excavated in 1959, revealing a variety of artifacts including pottery, jade, and bone tools, which prompted further archaeological efforts [2][3]. - Subsequent excavations in 2009 led to the discovery of additional artifacts, including human remains and pottery fragments, further enriching the understanding of the Majiabang culture [3]. Group 4: Cultural Characteristics - The Majiabang culture is characterized by its unique burial practices, predominantly rectangular vertical pit graves, with a majority being single-person burials [5][12]. - The culture reflects a matrilineal society structure, with evidence suggesting a gradual transition towards a more complex social hierarchy as agriculture and craftsmanship advanced [12]. Group 5: Economic Activities - The inhabitants of the Majiabang culture primarily engaged in rice agriculture, raising livestock such as dogs, pigs, and water buffalo, with evidence of both rice and millet cultivation [10]. - Fishing and hunting were also significant economic activities, as indicated by the discovery of various fishing tools and animal remains [10]. Group 6: Cultural Influence and Legacy - The Majiabang culture is believed to have influenced and been influenced by the Hemudu culture, with evidence of cultural exchange and interaction between the two [13]. - The cultural legacy of Majiabang is seen as a precursor to the Liangzhu civilization, highlighting its importance in the development of early Chinese civilization [15].

Core Viewpoint - The article highlights the significance of the Lingjiatan site in Anhui Province as a crucial evidence of over 5,000 years of Chinese civilization, showcasing its archaeological importance and the cultural artifacts discovered there [2][4]. Group 1: Archaeological Significance - The Lingjiatan site, discovered in 1985, dates back 5,800 to 5,300 years and is recognized as the largest and best-preserved settlement site of its time in the lower Yangtze River region [2]. - It is considered one of the "three major jade culture centers" of prehistoric China, alongside Hongshan and Liangzhu cultures [2]. - The M4 tomb, excavated in 1987, is noted as the most remarkable burial site within the Lingjiatan archaeological findings [7]. Group 2: Exhibitions and Cultural Events - The Palace Museum hosted the "Civilization Pioneer - Lingjiatan Culture Jade Exhibition" from December 14, 2024, to March 16, 2025, marking the first complete exhibition of artifacts from the Lingjiatan site [4]. - In celebration of the 40th anniversary of the discovery of the Lingjiatan site, a new exhibition titled "Jade Gift to the Universe - Lingjiatan 87M4 Boutique Artifacts Exhibition" was launched to support the development of the Lingjiatan National Archaeological Park [4]. Group 3: Artifacts and Findings - The current exhibition features 104 selected artifacts, focusing on the jade items unearthed from the 87M4 tomb, which provide insights into the social life and spiritual world of the ancient inhabitants [5]. - The exhibition includes nearly 400 precious jade artifacts from four domestic institutions, with many items being publicly displayed for the first time [5]. - The M4 tomb contained a variety of exquisite burial items, including jade plates, turtles, spoons, and axes, which were collected by the Palace Museum in 1993 [9]. Group 4: Cultural Insights - The 87M4 tomb's occupant is believed to have held a unique status, embodying roles of nobility, craftsmanship, and shamanism, indicating a complex social structure [13][15]. - The shaman role of the tomb owner involved astronomical observations and religious activities, reflecting the spiritual practices of the time [20][22]. - The exhibition serves as a concentrated display of the Lingjiatan culture's jade craftsmanship and its connection to the spiritual world of ancient humanity [27]. Group 5: Exhibition Details - The upcoming exhibition is scheduled from May 16, 2025, to August 16, 2025, at the Lingjiatan Site Museum [29].