Shangshan Archaeological Park in Pujiang county features roofs made of rice straw. [Photo/WeChat account: jhly057912301]
Shangshan Archaeological Park in Pujiang county, Jinhua, Zhejiang province makes for an idyllic retreat, featuring roofs made of rice straw, curtains woven from rice stalks, and the sweet fragrance of rice.
The park is renowned as the site of the Neolithic Shangshan Culture, which thrived between 11,000 and 8,500 years ago. There is a heritage center within the park featuring a simulated archaeological excavation site and exhibits that highlight the simple yet profound wisdom of the ancient Shangshan inhabitants.
Designated as a key national cultural relic protection unit, the Shangshan Site has yielded over 1,000 cultural relics, including large-mouthed basins, millstones, and flat-bottomed dishes. Over the past 22 years, a total of 21 Shangshan cultural sites have been unearthed in 11 counties or districts across four cities in Zhejiang Province, namely Jinhua, Quzhou, Shaoxing, and Taizhou. This discovery represents the largest and most concentrated early Neolithic site group found in China.
The Shangshan culture played a pivotal role in the development of rice agriculture and had a major influence on Chinese agricultural villages. It is also a significant site of discovery for early colored pottery.
A simulated archaeological excavation site at Shangshan Archaeological Park in Pujiang county. [Photo/WeChat account: jhly057912301]
