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Zhouyuan site reveals clues to ancient Zhou culture
Updated: Apr 25, 2025
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Named the "plain of Zhou", the Zhouyuan site has long been central to understanding Zhou culture. Located in Baoji, Shaanxi province, this tableland is the largest known settlement of pre-Zhou culture and the Western Zhou (c. 11th century–771 BC) capital.
Excavations have uncovered large rammed-earth structures, a triple-walled city layout, and over 200 inscribed oracle bones—revealing vital clues about early urban planning, governance and writing systems. These discoveries significantly enrich our understanding of ancient Chinese city development and early civilization.
