Moyiqiun Site

Moyiqiun Site

The Moyiqiun Site is a protected cultural heritage site of Jiangsu Province.

The Moyiqiun Site is situated in the western part of Jinhu County, in Xiaoji Village, Guantang Township, Dai Lou Town, Jinhu County. Its central geographic coordinates are N32º58′20.39″, E118º55′14.44″, with an elevation of 16 meters. The site features a rectangular layout, measuring 300 meters in length from north to south and 150 meters in width from east to west, with a general cultural layer depth of 3 meters.

The site has a long period of habitation and rich cultural content. A large number of artifacts are scattered on the surface, including red pottery jars, gray pottery tripods, gray pottery bowls, sand-tempered pottery li cauldrons, polished stone tools, and red-fired earth blocks.

Legend has it that ancient Jinhu was once a sea, and Moyiqiun was the coastline. There are ancient tales associated with the site. It is said that Moyiqiun was home to a wealthy family or even a place where immortals lived. Local farmers would borrow items such as wine vessels and utensils for weddings and funerals from there. There was a “revolving mill” that turned ceaselessly, said to be grinding barley. Once, a passerby picked up a handful of grains and took them home, only to find they were all gold. He regretted not taking more.

According to the book *Historical Jinhu* written by Ma Guoshun and published by Jiangsu People's Publishing House in 1999, the most influential site in Jinhu is the Moyiqiun Site. The site is located 12.5 kilometers southwest of the county town. Both mounds are covered with fragments of red, gray, and black-glazed pottery, featuring decorative patterns such as cord marks, stacked patterns, and geometric designs. Recognizable vessel types include jars, bowls, cups, urns, and li cauldrons. Dozens of li tripod feet with cord-marked exteriors have also been discovered.

Given the significance of the Moyiqiun Site, it was designated as one of the second batch of cultural heritage protection units in Huai’an City in March 2003. In December 2011, it was listed as part of the seventh batch of provincial-level cultural heritage protection units in Jiangsu Province.

Further Reading:

· Seventh Batch of Jiangsu Provincial Cultural Heritage Protection Units