Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the significance of the Cidun archaeological site in Changzhou, highlighting its cultural richness and historical importance in the context of the Liangzhu culture and the broader Yangtze River Delta civilization [1][12]. Archaeological History - The Cidun site, an oval-shaped earth mound approximately 20 meters high, was first discovered in 1973 when villagers found jade artifacts from the Liangzhu culture [2]. - From 1978 to 1995, multiple archaeological investigations were conducted, uncovering over 2,200 square meters of the site, primarily focusing on the Liangzhu culture noble burial grounds [2]. Key Findings - The Cidun site has been included in the "Archaeological China - Civilization Patterns in the Lower Yangtze Region" research project since 2016, with significant discoveries made since 2019, including burial sites and architectural remains from the Songze and Liangzhu cultures, dating back approximately 5,500 to 4,500 years [3]. - The site features a range of archaeological remains, including residential areas, burial sites, and ritual zones, covering an area of 100 meters in length and 80 meters in width [4]. Cultural Artifacts - Artifacts from the site include pottery, jade, stone, and bone tools, reflecting the production, lifestyle, and cultural aspects of the local residents around 5,000 years ago [9][10]. - The pottery from the Songze culture is characterized by gray and red clay, while Liangzhu culture pottery includes a variety of forms, such as large ceremonial vessels and intricately decorated jars [9][10]. Social Structure - The burial sites indicate a social stratification during the Songze culture period, with evidence of wealth disparities among the deceased, suggesting a complex social structure [12]. - The discovery of large-scale wooden structures and intricate pottery indicates a high level of craftsmanship and social organization, reflecting the advanced state of the society at that time [12]. Cultural Connections - The presence of artifacts with characteristics of the Dawenkou culture from Shandong suggests cultural exchanges between the lower Yangtze region and the Yellow River basin, indicating a broader interaction among ancient Chinese civilizations [14].

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the unique characteristics and cultural significance of a specific type of jade disc known as "youling" jade bi, which has been affected by environmental factors leading to its distinctive coloration and patterns [2][4][9]. Group 1: Characteristics of Youling Jade Bi - The jade bi has two distinct sides: one is a deep purple-blue color, while the other is a lighter gray-white, resulting from exposure to sunlight and environmental conditions [2][4]. - The jade's porous quality allows it to absorb minerals from the surrounding soil, contributing to its unique coloration [4][6]. - The jade bi was partially covered by stones during its burial, which protected certain areas from sunlight, leading to uneven coloration [9][10]. Group 2: Cultural Significance - Youling jade bi is an important ritual object in ancient Chinese culture, particularly among the Shu people, who often buried these discs near rivers as offerings to the heavens [9][10]. - The discovery of over 200 jade bi at the Jinsha site highlights the area's significance in ancient sacrificial practices [9][10]. - The jade bi's design, particularly the "high-neck" style, is a distinguishing feature that reflects the aesthetic preferences of the time [10][12]. Group 3: Public Interest and Reception - The unique appearance of the jade bi has captured the attention of various enthusiasts, leading to comparisons with modern items like coffee filters and collectible CDs [16][19]. - The jade bi's striking colors and patterns have been described as visually stunning, showcasing the allure of ancient Shu civilization's jade culture [14][21].

Core Insights - The article highlights the significance of the Panlongcheng site in Hubei, which serves as a central hub for the governance model of ancient China and the development of bronze civilization in the Yangtze River basin [1] Archaeological Discoveries - The Panlongcheng site was discovered in 1954 and confirmed as belonging to the early Shang Dynasty in 1958, with large-scale excavations starting in 1974 [1] - Recently, the site was selected as one of the "Top Ten Archaeological Discoveries of 2024" [1] - New findings from the Yangjiawan area include a large strip-shaped stone structure, marking the first discovery of such a construction in the Yangtze River midstream during the Xia and Shang periods [2][4] Cultural Artifacts - A bronze axe unearthed from the Li Jiazui No. 2 tomb is noted as the largest known early Shang bronze axe, symbolizing military power [6] - The Yangjiawan M17 tomb yielded significant artifacts, including a unique turquoise-inlaid gold ornament, which is one of the earliest gold and jade inlaid decorations found in the Central Plains culture [8] - The site also revealed a bronze vessel with features of multiple bronze wine vessels, showcasing the artistic and aesthetic characteristics of the Shang Dynasty [11] Historical Context - The Panlongcheng site is positioned as a crucial center for early bronze civilization in the Yangtze River basin, reflecting the cultural exchanges between the Yellow River and Yangtze River regions [13][16] - The site has been linked to the Zhengzhou city in terms of ritual artifacts, indicating a high degree of consistency in material culture and customs between the two locations [16]

北宋刻花玻璃瓶。 东汉掐丝镶嵌金辟邪。 本文图片来源：定州博物馆 东汉龙螭衔环乳钉纹青玉璧。 东汉透雕神仙故事玉座屏。 河北定州，自古即是北方重镇，有着5000多年文明史和2000多年建城史。战国和两汉时期，定州是 中山国都城。北魏初期，在此设安州，后改名定州。定州白石造像、定窑白瓷、定州塔（开元寺塔）闻 名于世，苏东坡在此写下的《中山松醪赋》亦令后人神往。 定州博物馆始建于1959年，原址在定州文庙院内，2018年迁入新馆。新馆为仿汉代高台式建筑，外 观庄重大气、高华典雅，与邻近的开元寺塔、定州贡院等古建筑相得益彰。馆内设有"汉家陵阙""北朝 佛陀""尘外千年""天下大白""金翠明珠""故乡星空"6个常设展览，以汉代王墓藏珍、北朝造像佳作、塔 基地宫瑰宝、定窑瓷器精品、明清首饰集萃、历代名人故事为主线，生动展示定州深厚的文化底蕴。 领略大汉风采 步入博物馆大厅，一面荟萃馆藏珍品的浮雕引人注目。"我馆藏品5万余件，种类丰富、体系完整、 特色鲜明，其中一级文物107件，在全国县级博物馆中堪称翘楚。天工绝技的汉代中山王墓珍品、独树 一帜的定州白石佛像、风华绝代的定瓷文物、世所罕见的佛塔地宫文物，均为特色藏品。此外 ...

新华社杭州5月18日电（记者 冯源）良渚文化考古中首次发现的带有刻画符号的玉璧，良渚时期的古稻田，距今4000多年前的牛蹄印……浙江省 首座考古博物馆——玉架山考古博物馆18日在杭州市临平区正式开馆，向公众展现良渚文明在当地持续千年的深厚底蕴。 玉架山考古博物馆总建筑面积约2.5万平方米，展出文物1800多件，与玉架山考古遗址公园相邻。该遗址曾获评"2011年度全国十大考古新发现"， 是迄今为止，各地的良渚文化的遗址中，单体出土墓葬最多，时间序列最完整的遗址。它的考古工作从2008年持续至2022年。 "玉架山遗址是一个由6个环壕组成的完整聚落遗址，多环壕聚落遗址在良渚考古中是首次发现，同时，遗址涵盖了良渚文化早、中、晚期，贯穿 了1000年间良渚文化的兴衰历程。"浙江省文物考古研究所所长方向明研究员告诉记者，玉架山遗址对于研究"早期良渚"，也就是在良渚古城建 成之前的良渚社会也有重要意义。 在茅山遗址厅，观众就可以看到整体提取的古稻田遗迹。而在比良渚稍晚的广富林时期的农耕层上，一头圣水牛还留下了多个蹄印。多学科研究 显示，茅山遗址所在的地区此后就逐渐被洪水所淹没，这为揭示良渚文明何以衰亡提供了重要依据。 1 ...

作者 张宇航 春秋时期，欧冶子于龙泉溪畔淬火铸剑，以寒铁熔铸出"龙渊"寒光，剑身铭刻的不仅是锋 刃，更是一个时代对器以载道的信仰。当剑锋指向礼制与征伐，另一群匠人却在长江之滨以水为媒、以 砂为刃，将玉石雕琢成文明的另一种语言："郢"都纪南城出土的楚国玉作坊遗址证明，楚国匠人利用蓄 水槽的水流循环带走玉石切割产生的热量，又将其作为解玉砂的载体形成研磨浆，与砣机结合对玉石进 行精准研磨，这才成就了楚地玉器刚柔相济的绝伦品质。 金铁的刚烈与玉石的温润，恰似华夏文明的一体两面——前者以威严震慑四方，后者以灵性贯通天地。 这些浸润着长江水痕的玉器，此刻正静静躺在湖北省博的陈列柜中，展现着古代中国被玉石浸润的隐秘 脉络：从巫觋掌心的通神灵物，到帝王冠冕上的等级烙印，千年玉史中每一道刻痕，皆是先民对宇宙、 权力与美的永恒叩问。 神权与王权：早期文明的玉石印记 在文明的初生时代，玉石是长江流域先民最早赋予神性与权力的物质之一。新石器时代的巫觋以玉为 眼，窥探神灵的意志。这些玉器不是简单的装饰，而是人与神对话的媒介。当商王朝的青铜礼制南下， 玉器褪去巫术的混沌，转而成为权力的具象：玉戈未开刃的锋线划定等级，玉璋的扉棱堆叠出山川 ...