During the recent Spring Festival holiday, the Sanxingdui Museum in southwest China’s Sichuan Province witnessed an unprecedented surge of visitors. In response to the overwhelming demand, the museum extended its opening hours and increased the number of online reservations, allowing more people to explore the enigmatic treasures of the ancient Shu civilization.
Sanxingdui, meaning ‘Three-Star Piles,’ refers to three earth mounds at the archaeological site that have captivated historians and archaeologists worldwide. Discovered in the late 1920s, the Sanxingdui site has been under continuous excavation for nearly a century, unearthing a wealth of artifacts that have reshaped our understanding of early Chinese civilization.
Located in Guanghan, Sichuan Province, the Sanxingdui site has revealed a trove of artifacts, including intricately crafted bronze, gold, jade, and pottery items that date back over 3,000 years. These discoveries offer invaluable insights into the mysterious Shu Kingdom, a Bronze Age culture that thrived along the upper reaches of the Yangtze River.
Among the most remarkable finds is a large gold mask, intricately designed and believed to have been used in ceremonial rituals. This artifact, along with towering bronze statues and ornamental jade pieces, highlights the advanced metallurgical skills and artistic achievements of the Shu people.
The treasures of Sanxingdui have not only sparked curiosity but have also challenged conventional narratives of Chinese history. The unique cultural artifacts suggest that the Shu civilization developed independently from the central Yellow River civilizations, indicating a more diverse and interconnected ancient China than previously thought.
The growing interest in Sanxingdui has bolstered local tourism, providing economic opportunities for the region. The museum’s efforts to accommodate more visitors during peak seasons reflect the global fascination with China’s rich historical heritage.
With ongoing excavations and research, the Sanxingdui site continues to offer new discoveries that captivate scholars, travelers, and cultural enthusiasts alike. The mysteries of the ancient Shu Kingdom remain a compelling chapter in China’s vast historical tapestry, promising further revelations in the years to come.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
