Ancient City Reveals Early State-Level Sophistication
Nestled in the Yangtze River Delta, the archaeological site of Liangzhu offers a breathtaking window into China's ancient past. Recent discoveries at this 5,300-year-old city—including monumental walls, advanced hydraulic engineering, and intricately carved jade artifacts—are rewriting narratives about early societal development in East Asia.
Archaeologists emphasize that Liangzhu's grid-based urban planning and flood control systems indicate a highly organized society with centralized governance. 'This wasn't just a settlement—it was a civilization with administrative complexity rivaling early Mesopotamian city-states,' explains Dr. Li Wei, a leading researcher at the Zhejiang Provincial Institute of Cultural Relics.
Jade Culture and Global Connections
The site's ceremonial jade cong tubes and bi disks, bearing uniform geometric patterns, suggest standardized production methods and shared spiritual beliefs across the region. These artifacts are now displayed in museums worldwide, drawing parallels with contemporary ancient cultures from Egypt to the Indus Valley.
Designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2019, Liangzhu continues to attract international research teams. Its preservation efforts offer valuable insights for urban planners studying sustainable water management in modern delta cities like Shanghai and Hangzhou.
