China's 2023 Top 10 Archaeological Discoveries Unveiled

China's National Cultural Heritage Administration recently revealed a list of the year’s most important archaeological discoveries, recognizing 10 outstanding finds among 22 projects. These projects covered a wide geographical area—from the rugged expanses of the Qinghai-Xizang Plateau to the challenging depths of the South China Sea—demonstrating a vigorous nationwide effort toward heritage research and preservation.

One of the highlights includes the discovery of two ancient shipwrecks from the Ming Dynasty, located nearly 1,500 meters underwater near the northwest continental slope of the South China Sea. The shipwreck designated as No.1 revealed over 100,000 pieces of porcelain dating back to the reign of the Zhengde Emperor, while shipwreck No.2 contained numerous processed wood logs indicating an active cargo trade between China and foreign lands. This find not only underscores the prosperous history of the Maritime Silk Road but also marks a significant milestone in deep-sea archaeological explorations enhanced by modern technology and cross-disciplinary cooperation.

Another notable site is located in Northwest China's Shaanxi Province at the Zhaigou Site, which dates back to the late Shang Dynasty. Excavations uncovered a series of noble tombs, with burial carts finished in bronze fittings; one particular cart featured a unique design considered the earliest example of its kind in both China and East Asia. These findings shed light on the extent of cultural influence and cooperations between the Shang Dynasty and its neighboring states.

Additional remarkable sites include the Qujialing site in Jingmen, Hubei Province, where evidence of China's earliest water conservancy project dating back 5,100 years was discovered. Similarly, the Keqiutou ruins in Pingtan, Fujian Province, dating back 3,000 years, provide valuable insights into the origins of Austronesian peoples. Together, these discoveries highlight a year of tremendous progress in Chinese archaeology, marked by increased active excavation projects and innovative methods that continually enhance our understanding of historical cultural and social developments.