Xiyang Site

Xiyang Site

The Xiyang Site is located on the eastern side of Xiyang Pond, at the confluence of Xiyang Pond and Yantie Pond. In 1974, during the dredging of Xiyang Pond, three stone tools were discovered: three stone adzes and knives in total. Among them, there were two stone adzes, which were largely similar in shape—one made of black slate, now damaged, and the other made of gray shale, roughly polished, elongated in shape, with a slightly arched back and a single beveled edge. It measures 11.5 cm in length, 3 cm in width, and 2 cm in thickness. There was also one stone knife, shaped somewhat like a battle-axe, with one side polished flat, a tall handle, and an inclined blade. It is 10 cm wide, 0.5 cm thick, and 11.4 cm long. These artifacts are now housed in the Suzhou Museum. According to on-site investigations and physical examinations conducted by archaeologists Wang Deqing and Miao Ziqiang, these items have been preliminarily identified as artifacts from the Liangzhu Culture period. This indicates that human activity existed in the Xiyang area as early as 6,000 years ago. Within the jurisdiction of Zhangjiagang City, the Xiyang Site is one of five equally renowned ancient sites, alongside the Xujiawan Site, the Caidun Site, the Xizhang Site, and the Fenghuangshan Site.