Xixi Site

Xixi Site

The Xixi Site is a Jiangsu Provincial Cultural Relics Protection Unit.

Xixi Site

The Xixi Site, located in Xixi Natural Village (also known as Xicun) of Xidong Village, Fangzhuang Town, Yixing City. The site was discovered during the 1984 cultural relics survey and was designated as a Jiangsu Provincial Cultural Relics Protection Unit in October 2002. The central area of the Xixi Site is a strip-shaped highland about 2 meters above the surrounding farmland, covering an area of nearly 50,000 square meters. Rivers on the south, north, and west sides surround the site in a semi-circle, providing extremely convenient natural conditions for the ancient inhabitants of the Xixi Site in terms of production, daily life, and external communication. To date, a total of 13 architectural remains, 28 ash pits, over 150 stone, pottery, jade, and bone artifacts, as well as numerous stone samples and pottery shard specimens have been excavated. For the first time, stilt-style buildings similar to those of a hanging-corner tower, as well as two types of vessels — a fu (cauldron) and a ding (tripod) — were discovered. These findings confirm that the Xixi Site was a large settlement during the Majiabang culture period, with the main remains dating back approximately 7,000–6,000 years, showcasing significant value in multiple aspects.

According to archaeological experts, the site shows a division between living areas and public activity zones. For example, there are large ash pits used for dumping household waste, stone mortars for grinding grain, deep pits speculated to have been used for temporarily keeping live fish, and extensive accumulations of snail and shellfish remains used for moisture-proofing — all of which vividly depict the production and daily life of ancient people in low-lying, densely water-networked regions. In May 2013, it was approved and announced by the State Council as part of the seventh batch of National Key Cultural Relics Protection Units.

Further Reading:

· Fifth Batch of Jiangsu Provincial Cultural Relics Protection Units

· Seventh Batch of National Key Cultural Relics Protection Units