Discoveries from 2023 Hangzhou archaeology unveiled

The 2023 Annual Archaeological Discoveries Exhibition opened at the West Lake Art Museum in Zhejiang Provincial Museum's Gushan branch on July 2, showcasing 317 artifacts from the Hangzhou Archaeological Institute's 2023 discoveries and highlights from previous years.

The exhibition is divided into five chronological units, highlighting over 10 new archaeological discoveries from 2023.

Liangzhu stone tool workshops:

The Liangzhu site, a crucial testament to China's 5,000-year-old civilization, revealed stone tool workshops at the Shenjiali site in Xiaoshan and Shenjiafan site in Tonglu. These findings are key to understanding the prehistoric stone tool industry in the Qiantang River basin.

Shang and Zhou dynasties settlements:

The Shengguang and Jinjiabang sites uncovered settlements from the Shang and Zhou dynasties (c.16th century- 256 BC), providing insights into the archaeological cultures of Zhejiang and southern China during these eras.

Han and Tang period cities:

Following Emperor Qinshihuang's unification in 221 BC, the Hangzhou area became home to numerous historical relics. The Huangniba Han tombs, Hangyang site, and Yuhang ancient city site illustrate the development of settlements, burials, and city structures from the Qin, Han, and Tang periods (221-907).

Wuyue Kingdom's capital:

The Wuyue Kingdom brought Hangzhou to prominence in the Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms (907-960). Recent discoveries such as the Shengguo Temple site, South Peak site, Jingci Temple site, and Yijin City site reconstruct the prosperity of the Wuyue Kingdom.

Song, Yuan, Ming, and Qing Dynasties:

In 1138, the Song Dynasty (960-1279) established its capital in Hangzhou, transforming it into a major metropolis. The Dingminfang site and Shilibao Song tombs offer a comprehensive exploration of Hangzhou's urban and cultural landscape during this time.