Before its opening to the public, the Archaeological Site Park of Caoxieshan was opened to media on June 24.
As the most complete site of Majiabang, Songze and Liangzhu cultures in Jiangnan, the Caoxieshan Site is called the “scaleplate of the prehistoric culture of Jiangnan”. It is also “one of the sources of China’s rice farming culture” with the earliest discovered ancient rice fields equipped with an artificial irrigation system. Besides, the “number one jade Cong in China” was found here.
Since its discovery in 1956, the Caoxieshan Site has seen more than ten archaeological excavations, and by 2021, 239 Neolithic burials, 115 rice paddy remains and several house sites had been discovered, with 1200 pieces of various artifacts unearthed. Archaeologists believe it was the center of the prehistoric civilization in the Taihu Lake basin. In 2013, the Caoxieshan Site was included in the seventh list of major historical and cultural sites protected at the national level, the only one site in SIP on the list.
The core area of the park boasts an exhibition area of about 40,000 square meters. In addition to the Gate of Time, the Theme Exhibition and the archaeological sites and workstation, there is the replica of ancient rice fields around the exhibition hall. Inside the hall, advanced technologies are used to show the visitors scenes of ancient people working in fields and living in their houses. The ancient tombs and the jade ware and other artifacts demonstrate the ancestors’ diligence and creativity.
According to SIP authorities, excavations and researches will continue in the park to fully explore the cultural heritage in the site and carry it forward.
