Zhongtukeng Site

Zhongtukeng Site

The Zhongtukeng Site is a cultural heritage conservation unit of Anhui Province.

The "Zhongtukeng Neolithic Site" is located in Zhongtukeng Village Group, Tukeng Village, Fufeng Township, Qimen County, and boasts a history of over 5,000 years.

The site is situated by the scenic Shuishi River, whose S-shaped course boasts a broad and tranquil water surface. It lies on an oval-shaped platform with a total area of over 30 acres. Backed by mountains and fronted by water, this location was ideal for settlement—offering convenient access to drinking water, farming, and aquaculture, as well as providing refuge in the mountains during disasters. The site was discovered in August 2002 by a local villager named Jiang Wenzheng, who unearthed 14 ground stone spearheads, 1 stone arrowhead, 2 stone adzes, 1 jade artifact, and 2 pottery tripod feet. After examination and on-site assessment by provincial experts, it was identified as a Neolithic site and subsequently designated as a key cultural heritage protection unit. In February 2004, professionals from the Provincial Institute of Archaeology conducted a trial excavation at the site. Based on the soil structure, stratigraphic superposition of cultural layers, and the evolving combinations of unearthed artifacts, it was determined that the Neolithic inhabitants here had transitioned from a nomadic existence typical of primitive groups toward a more settled lifestyle, and had developed fairly advanced production tools.

The unearthed artifacts reveal that most of the stone tools were meticulously polished all over, with exceptionally sharp edges. These include stone spears, arrowheads, axes, adzes, shovels, and net sinkers. One stone ball in particular stands out for its regular shape and incised cross-shaped patterns. The pottery is divided into two types: clay pottery and sandy clay pottery, available in red, gray, and black hues. Analysis of the overall characteristics of the pottery fragments indicates a variety of vessel forms such as tripods, cauldrons, jars, basins, bean pots, and spinning whorls. Decorative patterns include cord marks and combed lines, though some pieces are undecorated. In short, the pottery is diverse in form and finely crafted. Additionally, charred peach pits found in ash pits within the excavation trenches provide tangible evidence that the clan economy was primarily based on primitive agriculture, supplemented by the bounty of nature. People engaged in hunting, fishing, and gathering—activities that enriched their food sources and improved their quality of life.

The discovery of this site holds significant historical importance, offering tangible evidence for the study of the history of ancient Huizhou and surrounding regions. It is one of the few Neolithic sites identified so far in southern Anhui.

Protected Area: A 50-meter buffer zone to the east, south, west, and north of the protective marker stele.

Construction Control Zone: A surrounding area of 15,000 square meters beyond the protected area.