Wangzhuang Neolithic site in Yongcheng, Henan province

Announced as one of China’s top 10 new archaeological discoveries of 2023, the Wangzhuang site in Yongcheng, Henan province spans approximately 120,000 square meters. Excavations have unveiled a cemetery associated with the Dawenkou Culture, a significant find that marks the first discovery of such cultural remains in Shangqiu, Henan province.

The unearthed artifacts, including pottery, jade wares and stone wares, shed light on ancient rituals during the prehistoric era. The excavation of this site holds significance in revealing settlement forms of the Neolithic Age and prehistoric social rituals in eastern Henan province, and allows exploration of cultural exchanges between the Central Plain and the Haidai region in East China’s Shandong province.