Core Insights - The Shimao archaeological site in northern Shaanxi, China, is revealing significant insights into the origins and development of Chinese civilization, with discoveries dating back over 4,000 years [1][2]. Archaeological Discoveries - The Shimao site features a large prehistoric city with a complex structure including a royal city, inner city, and outer city, covering an area of over 4 million square meters [2]. - Notable findings include a large stone sculpture with a divine face, which symbolizes a connection between the human and supernatural realms, reflecting the cultural identity of the Shimao people [2][4]. - The site has yielded a vast number of exquisite jade artifacts, despite being located in a region not known for jade production, indicating a unique cultural practice of embedding jade within the stone walls [4][6]. Cultural Significance - The discoveries at Shimao have led to new understandings of prehistoric Chinese civilization, with scholars proposing that it may have been the capital of the pre-Xia dynasty or a settlement of the Yellow Emperor's tribe [7]. - Advanced techniques in archaeology, including the use of MR holographic technology, have been employed to visualize and present the findings, enhancing public engagement with the site [7]. Tourism and Heritage - The Shimao site has been included in the "Preliminary List of World Cultural Heritage" in China, and the establishment of the Shimao Museum and National Archaeological Site Park is attracting tourists [7].

Core Insights - The Shimao site in Shaanxi plays a significant role in the exploration of Chinese civilization, showcasing a variety of artifacts such as stone sculptures, jade artifacts, and bone needles, which highlight the richness of prehistoric culture [1][3][5] Archaeological Significance - The Shimao site, established around 2300 BC and abandoned by 1800 BC, is recognized as the largest known prehistoric city in China, featuring a 10-kilometer stone wall and divided into three parts: the royal city, inner city, and outer city [7] - The unique practice of embedding jade artifacts within the city walls is believed to be a form of protective ritual, reflecting the inhabitants' desire for stability and security [7][8] Cultural Artifacts - The site is renowned for its jade artifacts, including a recently discovered eagle-patterned jade axe, which provides valuable insights into the cultural beliefs of the Shimao people [8][10] - Various stone carvings, including human and animal figures, demonstrate the Shimao people's understanding of nature and their artistic skills, with some carvings resembling characters from oracle bone inscriptions [10][12] Ongoing Research and Mysteries - Despite the wealth of cultural relics, many questions remain regarding the origins, customs, and the reasons for the abandonment of the Shimao site, indicating that further archaeological research may yield new insights [14][15]