Shangshan Site

　　The “Shangshan Site” in Pujiang is considered China’s earliest discovered Neolithic site in the lower reaches of the Yangtze River and the southeastern coastal region. The newly discovered archaeological culture here has now been officially named the “Shangshan Culture.” It represents a newly identified, more primitive type of Neolithic culture. This conclusion was reached after repeated deliberation by over 150 archaeology experts and scholars from across the country who attended the 4th China Environmental Archaeology Conference and the Shangshan Site Academic Symposium.

　　From 2001 to 2006, the Provincial Institute of Cultural Relics and Archaeology and the Pujiang County Museum carried out three phases of excavation at the Pujiang “Shangshan Site,” uncovering a total of 1,600 square meters of the site and obtaining a wealth of physical materials. From November 5 to 7, over 150 archaeology experts and scholars from more than 50 domestic research institutions and universities, including Zheng Xinmiao, Vice Minister of the Ministry of Culture and Director of the Palace Museum, gathered once again in Pujiang. Experts believe that: “The lower layer of the Shangshan Site contains a novel and unique cultural content. The pottery assemblage, typified by large-mouthed basins, flat-bottomed trays, and double-handled jars, is distinct from other Neolithic sites previously discovered in the lower Yangtze River region, representing a newly identified, more primitive type of Neolithic culture. Through three phases of archaeological excavation, it has been stratigraphically proven that the lower cultural remains of Shangshan predate those of the Kuahuqiao Culture, making it earlier than both the Kuahuqiao and Hemudu Cultures. The Shangshan Site is China’s earliest discovered Neolithic site in the lower reaches of the Yangtze River and the southeastern coastal region. In 2005, similar types of cultural remains were discovered at the Xiaohuangshan Site in Shengzhou, further proving that the lower layer of the Shangshan cultural type is not isolated. Both sites are located in the hilly and valley areas transitioning from the mountainous regions of southwestern Zhejiang to the eastern Zhejiang plains, belonging to a unique regional culture. This newly discovered archaeological culture can be named the ‘Shangshan Culture.’”