Core Insights - The article highlights the ancient wisdom and ingenuity of people in Shanxi, particularly in relation to winter survival techniques and astronomical observations from the Taosi site, which dates back 4,300 to 3,900 years [1] Group 1: Astronomical Observations - The Taosi site features an ancient astronomical observatory consisting of 13 observation pillars and 12 observation slits, which were used over 4,000 years ago to observe the sunrise and determine agricultural seasons [1] - The observatory's function was complemented by tools such as the gnomon and the shadow stick, which helped ensure accurate seasonal timing [3] Group 2: Winter Survival Tools - The article describes ancient cooking vessels like the Jin Hou Wen Ding, which was designed to retain heat using charcoal, resembling modern hot pots [6] - Another artifact, the Qulong-patterned square plate from the Warring States period, is believed to be a charcoal stove, showcasing the duality of aesthetic design and practical heating function [10][12]

Core Insights - The article highlights the ancient wisdom and ingenuity of people in Shanxi, particularly through the lens of the Taosi site, which reveals insights into their methods of observing celestial phenomena and seasonal changes [3][5]. Group 1: Ancient Observations and Tools - The Taosi site, located in Xiangfen County, Shanxi, dates back 4,300 to 3,900 years and features an ancient astronomical observatory with 13 observation pillars and 12 observation slits, used for tracking the sunrise and determining agricultural seasons [3]. - The museum at the Taosi site also houses a gnomon and a sundial, which work in conjunction with the observatory to ensure accurate seasonal timing [5]. - The gnomon is placed flat on the ground, while the sundial stands vertically, creating a right angle. The length of the shadow cast by the sundial at noon helps determine the solar terms, with the shortest shadow occurring at summer solstice and the longest at winter solstice [7]. Group 2: Winter Survival Innovations - Beyond celestial observations, ancient people also developed practical tools for daily life, such as the Jin Hou Wen Ding, a cooking vessel from the Western Zhou period that could retain heat using charcoal, resembling modern hot pots [10]. - Another artifact, the Qulong-patterned square pan from the Warring States period, likely served as a charcoal stove, showcasing both aesthetic design and functional heating capabilities [11]. - Charcoal stoves were common heating devices used by ancient people, with evidence of their existence dating back 2,500 years to the Warring States period, indicating a blend of beauty and utility in their design [13].

Core Viewpoint - The article highlights the ancient wisdom and innovative methods of the Chinese people in observing celestial events and staying warm during winter, particularly through the lens of archaeological findings in Shanxi province [1]. Group 1: Ancient Observatories - The Taosi Ancient Observatory, located in Xiangfen County, Shanxi, dates back 4,300 to 3,900 years and consists of 13 observation pillars with 12 observation slits, used by ancient people to observe the sunrise and determine agricultural seasons [7]. - On December 21, at 7:30 AM, visitors gather to witness the sunrise at the observatory, where the first rays of sunlight align with the observation slits, marking the arrival of the winter solstice [4]. Group 2: Timekeeping Instruments - The Taosi site museum features a gnomon and a sundial, which work in conjunction with the observatory to ensure accurate seasonal timing [9]. - The gnomon is placed flat on the ground, while the vertical sundial casts a shadow on the gnomon, allowing the determination of solar angles and seasonal changes based on shadow length, with the longest shadow occurring during the winter solstice [10]. Group 3: Ancient Heating Devices - The Jin Hou Wen Ding, an ancient cooking vessel from the Western Zhou period, was designed to retain heat by using charcoal in a tray, resembling modern hot pot designs [13]. - The vessel features a top section for holding food, while the middle tray contains charcoal with ventilation holes to enhance combustion and allow ash to fall through [15]. - Another heating device, the Qulong-patterned square plate from the Warring States period, likely served as a charcoal stove, showcasing both aesthetic and practical functions in ancient heating methods [16][18].