Core Viewpoint - The "Longteng China: Hongshan Culture Ancient Civilization Exhibition" has opened at the Shanghai Museum, showcasing over 300 artifacts from 20 cultural and archaeological institutions, highlighting the achievements and discoveries of Hongshan archaeology over the past century [1][2]. Group 1: Exhibition Overview - The exhibition is part of the Shanghai Museum's "Why China" series and features significant artifacts from the Hongshan culture, which dates back approximately 6,500 to 5,000 years [1]. - The Hongshan culture is recognized as one of the earliest archaeological cultures in China to enter a complex social structure and spiritual belief system, marking it as a significant source of Chinese civilization [1][3]. Group 2: Key Artifacts - The exhibition includes notable pieces such as the C-shaped jade dragon and the ring-shaped jade dragon, both representative of the Hongshan culture's jade craftsmanship [1][4]. - The C-shaped jade dragon, carved from a single piece of yellow-green jade, is considered one of the earliest forms of dragon representation in prehistoric jade artifacts [1][5]. - The ring-shaped jade dragon, discovered in 1984, is highlighted as a significant archaeological find from the Niuheliang site in Liaoning [2]. Group 3: Cultural Significance - The first section of the exhibition, "Dragon Out of the Liao River," discusses the origins and characteristics of the Hongshan culture, which emerged in the Liao River basin, blending elements of local fishing and hunting cultures with agricultural traditions from the Central Plains [2]. - The second section, "Dragon Walking in Hongshan," showcases artifacts that reflect the ritual systems and primitive beliefs of the Hongshan people, indicating a transition to a more complex societal structure [3]. - The third section, "Dragon Spreading Across the Nine Provinces," presents a variety of jade artifacts, emphasizing the cultural significance of jade in the Hongshan civilization and its influence on later Chinese cultures [5][6]. Group 4: Exhibition Design - The exhibition's spatial design is inspired by the ritual architecture of the Hongshan culture, featuring a symmetrical layout that connects key artifacts and symbols [6]. - The color scheme of the exhibition hall incorporates "Hongshan Red" and "Graphite Gray," creating an immersive environment that reflects the cultural themes of the Hongshan civilization [6]. Group 5: Duration - The exhibition will be open to the public until October 8 [7].

Core Viewpoint - The exhibition "Dragon Rising China: Special Exhibition of Hongshan Culture Ancient Civilization" at the Shanghai Museum showcases over 300 artifacts, highlighting the significance of dragon totems in Hongshan culture and its role in the origins of Chinese civilization [6][7][12]. Group 1: Exhibition Overview - The exhibition is part of the "What is China" series and features artifacts from 20 museums and archaeological institutions across various provinces [7][12]. - It includes a significant centerpiece, the "C" shaped jade dragon from the Palace Museum, symbolizing the royal aura of the Hongshan culture [8][10]. - The exhibition presents a total of 310 artifacts, with over a quarter being displayed for the first time [12][15]. Group 2: Cultural Significance - Hongshan culture, dating back approximately 6,500 years, is recognized for its advanced ritual systems and the establishment of a belief system centered around reverence for heaven, ancestors, and rulers [8][16]. - The artifacts reflect the early development of Chinese ceremonial practices, including the construction of altars and tombs, which are foundational to Chinese cultural identity [15][17]. - The exhibition aims to enhance public understanding of Hongshan culture and its contributions to the broader narrative of Chinese civilization [18][21]. Group 3: Archaeological Findings - Recent archaeological discoveries, such as the large-scale sacrificial site at the Niuhou Liang site, indicate a complex social structure and belief system in the Hongshan culture [16][17]. - The exhibition features unique artifacts like the "double dragon head jade pendant" and the earliest known stone dragon sculpture, providing insights into the evolution of dragon imagery in Chinese culture [10][11][19]. - The ongoing research and discoveries related to Hongshan culture are expected to further illuminate its role in the development of early Chinese civilization [16][21].

Core Viewpoint - The exhibition "Dragon Soars China: Special Exhibition of Hongshan Culture Ancient Civilization" showcases the development of dragon-shaped artifacts over 5,000 years, emphasizing the significance of Hongshan culture in understanding the origins of Chinese civilization [1][29]. Exhibition Overview - The exhibition is structured around the theme of "dragon," with three main sections: "Dragon Emerges from Liao River," "Dragon Travels Hongshan," and "Dragon Spreads Across the Nine Provinces," highlighting the connection between prehistoric dragon culture in the Liao River basin and Hongshan culture [3][15]. - A central "Axis of Civilization" in the exhibition links various dragon-shaped artifacts, illustrating their emergence, development, and influence within the context of Hongshan culture [5][15]. Key Artifacts - The exhibition features significant dragon-shaped artifacts, including a stone dragon from the Zuojiashan site, dated to approximately 6,000 years ago, which may represent the earliest known stone-carved dragon in China [6][8]. - A newly discovered shell dragon artifact from the 2023 excavation at the Caitaopo site in Inner Mongolia provides important insights into the evolution of dragon imagery and beliefs in Hongshan culture [8][10]. - The exhibition includes 16 jade dragons, comprising one C-shaped dragon and 15 pig-shaped jade dragons, showcasing the diversity and significance of these artifacts in Hongshan culture [10][12]. Cultural Significance - The jade dragon is considered a vital ceremonial object in Hongshan culture, with various interpretations regarding its symbolism, including connections to agriculture and celestial beliefs [15][17]. - The exhibition also highlights 38 human-shaped artifacts, reflecting ancestor worship traditions in the Liao River basin, spanning from 8,000 to 4,000 years ago [19][23]. Archaeological Discoveries - Recent archaeological findings, including large settlement sites and burial mounds, have enriched the understanding of Hongshan culture's social structure and burial practices [25][27]. - The Hongshan culture is recognized as a representative archaeological culture of the "ancient state era," significantly contributing to the understanding of the origins of Chinese civilization [27][29].