The Western Zhou Lihou Tomb Cluster

　　The Western Zhou Lihou Tomb Cluster is located in Licheng County within the Shangdang Basin of the Taihang Mountain area in Shanxi Province. The Qianlong edition of the “Compendium of Shanxi Chronicles” records that Licheng belonged to Luzhong Prefecture and also notes that this was the site of the ancient State of Li. The “Book of Documents” mentions “King Wen of Zhou conquered Li,” referring to this ancient Li State. To the northeast of the tomb site lies “Dongyang Pass” (formerly known as Hukou Pass), which was a key route from Shanxi to the ancient states of Yan and Zhao.

　　Due to severe looting, the Shanxi Provincial Cultural Relics Bureau, with approval from the National Cultural Heritage Administration, organized an archaeological team from January to September 2006 led by the Shanxi Provincial Institute of Archaeology, with participation from cultural heritage management departments of Changzhi City and Licheng County. The team conducted surveys, explorations, and rescue excavations at the site. The investigation and exploration revealed that the tomb area covered approximately 40 mu, and among the identified tombs were large tombs with ramps, while medium and small tombs had no ramps. No clear burial arrangement pattern could be observed. All tomb entrances were situated beneath disturbed soil layers, and late Spring and Autumn period pottery shards were found in the overlying disturbed soil and ash pits.

　　A total of ten tombs were excavated, including two large tombs, five medium-sized tombs, and three small tombs. Some were heavily looted, while others remained undisturbed. Over a thousand funerary objects were unearthed, including bronze ware, jade artifacts, and pottery. Among them, several inscribed bronze items were discovered, marking a significant archaeological find of this excavation. These confirmed the exact location of the ancient feudal state, providing valuable physical evidence for the study of China’s Shang and Zhou history.

　　The discovery of the Western Zhou Lihou Tomb Cluster has unveiled the mysteries of the ancient Li State. It verifies historical records found in texts such as the “Book of Documents” and “Zuo Commentary,” once again offering precious material evidence for the long-standing Chinese historical civilization. It has attracted widespread attention and acclaim from domestic and international experts and scholars, exerting far-reaching social impact. In 2007, the National Cultural Heritage Administration recognized it as one of China’s major archaeological discoveries.