China unveils top 6 archaeological discoveries of 2024

The award-winning sites span from the Palaeolithic to the Qing dynasty, demonstrating the depth of Chinese civilisation. 

Among the winners is Dadong paleolithic site in Helong City, Jilin Province, recognised as the most significant Upper Paleolithic find in Northeast Asia and providing a glimpse of the region's earliest cultural traditions. This is reported by China Daily, a partner of TV BRICS.

The Xiatang neolithic site in Xianju County, Zhejiang Province has also been recognised as important for the Neolithic. Evidence discovered here confirms 10,000 years of Chinese cultural history and provides valuable insights into early rice cultivation and cultural evolution. 

The list is completed by the Wuwandong Tomb in Anhui Province. Dating back more than 2,200 years, this monumental tomb is the largest and most elaborate burial site of the ancient state of Chu, providing invaluable information on the funerary practices and cultural identity of the Chu after their migration eastwards.

Other honored sites include the Siwa site in Gansu Province, which features a Majiayao culture settlement dating back about 5,000 years; the Zhouyuan site in Shaanxi Province, known for its large rammed-earth structures from the pre-Zhou Dynasty period; and the Jingdezhen ceramic industry sites in Jiangxi Province, which span more than 600 years and encompass the Yuan (1271-1368), Ming (1368-1644) and Qing (1636-1912) dynasties.

The annual forum, founded in 2002, continues to serve as a critical platform for Chinese archaeologists to share their groundbreaking findings and collaborate on future research.