Shinianshan Site

　　   The Shinianshan Site is situated to the east of Shinian Village, Shuibei Town, Yushui District, Xinyu City. Approximately 10 li to its southwest is the sunny side of Mengshan Mountain, while to its southeast, south, and north, it is surrounded by the Meng River water system. It is a platform-type ancient cultural site, covering an area of about 6,000 square meters. The site was discovered during an archaeological survey in October 1984. Three archaeological excavations have been carried out successively, unearthing over 4,000 stone artifacts such as adzes, hoes, and axes, as well as pottery items including tripods, jars, gui vessels, and cups. Additionally, 136 tombs were cleared.    Findings from large-scale exposure and excavation indicate that the Shinianshan Site is an original village settlement with a certain layout characteristic. The entire site is naturally enclosed by a moat several meters higher than the surrounding areas. Its northern part served as the residential zone, the southern part as the public cemetery, and the eastern part as the workshop area.    The cultural characteristics of the first phase share similarities with the Majiabang and Daxi cultures, with a dating of approximately 5,500–6,000 years ago. The second phase resembles the third phase of the Xuejiagang culture, dating back about 5,000–5,500 years. The third phase shows connections with the Shixia culture, the lower layer of Zhugongcheng, the lower layer of Fanchengdui, and the lower layer of Yinjiaping, with an estimated age of about 4,500–5,000 years. This three-phase cultural division marks the first periodization study of Neolithic remains in Jiangxi. It reflects, from one aspect, the significant role Jiangxi played in ancient cultural exchanges and helps fill gaps in the province's Neolithic archaeological chronology.    The site has revealed orderly circular house foundations, clan cemeteries featuring both tomb pits and pit-less burials, as well as concentrated urn burials—all rarely seen or unique in the province’s prehistoric archaeology. The rich cultural content has drawn keen attention from the archaeological community.    The Shinianshan Site is not only a treasure trove for studying Jiangxi’s prehistoric culture but also a key to exploring ancient southern cultures. In July 2000, it was listed as a Jiangxi Provincial Cultural Relics Protection Unit. In May 2013, it was designated as part of the seventh batch of National Key Cultural Relics Protection Units by the State Council.