Beijing, a city with a rich historical tapestry, has recently revealed significant archaeological findings that offer new insights into its ancient past. These discoveries, encompassing various dynastic periods, illustrate the continuous development of the city and its role in China’s historical civilization.
Xingong Site: A Glimpse into Multiple Dynasties
The Xingong site in Fengtai district has unveiled relics from the Xia, Shang, Qin, Han, and Qing dynasties, showcasing Beijing’s continuous historical evolution. This site provides a physical embodiment of Beijing during these ancient times, with a wealth of artifacts including gold, jade, and pottery. Archaeologist Lu Zhaojun emphasized that the Xingong site demonstrates the city’s uninterrupted historical progression, a characteristic of China’s historical civilization.
Liulihe Site: Insights from DNA Research
The Liulihe site in Fangshan district has brought to light the practice of intermarriage among ancient Yan people through DNA research on human skeletons. This discovery offers valuable information on burial patterns and the social organization of the Yan Kingdom, which existed over 3,000 years ago during the Zhou Dynasty. Ning Chao, the project’s lead archaeologist, referred to the Liulihe site as revealing the ‘origin’ of Beijing.
Jinzhongdu Site: The Capital’s Military and Cultural Legacy
The Jinzhongdu site, significant for its role as the Jin Dynasty’s capital, showcased its military and cultural heritage through the discovery of the ‘Mamian’ (horse face) ruin, a defensive structure integral to the site’s overall military system. This site also revealed the earliest central axis of Beijing, indicating the city’s ancient urban planning and construction principles.
Publications Highlighting Conservation and History
Two noteworthy publications were introduced: “Jinzhongdu (2019-2020): Archaeological excavation report of city wall ruins” and “The Great Wall Archaeology of Beijing.” The former provides the first comprehensive focus on the Jinzhongdu site, while the latter offers insights and conservation plans for the Great Wall, emphasizing the identification of potential damage.
The Lei Family Tombs and Palace Museum’s Zaobanchu
The discovery of 29 tombs belonging to the Lei family, architects of Qing imperial structures, offers insights into the architectural aesthetics known as ‘Yangshi.’ Additionally, the Palace Museum’s zaobanchu, responsible for manufacturing royal supplies, dates back to the Yuan and Ming dynasties, adding depth to the understanding of imperial craftsmanship.
Beijing’s Cultural Development Strategy
These archaeological sites align with Beijing’s cultural development strategy, termed “one axis, one city, two parks, three belts, one district, one center.” This approach aims to interpret Beijing’s historical and cultural origins comprehensively, integrating archaeological findings into the city’s broader cultural narrative.
Conclusion
The recent archaeological achievements in Beijing, presented by cultural heritage organizations, highlight the city’s rich and continuous historical development. These discoveries not only enhance our understanding of Beijing’s past but also contribute to the preservation and appreciation of its cultural heritage. As a city of museums, Beijing continues to reveal its historical layers, offering a window into the ancient world that shaped modern China.
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