Source: CCTV.com

06-07-2007 09:40

Special Report:   Cultural Heritage Day

In the East China port city of Qingdao, a team of archeological workers are making a major discovery after two months of digging - and adding more than six thousand years to the city's history.

This is one of the most important archeological finds made over the past year. The Beiqian Site is located in the northern suburbs of Qingdao, and after two months of digging, a great number of utensils and artifacts have been uncovered. All are in perfect condition, given they were made some 7-thousand years ago.

Recent exploration of a graveyard indicates the site might be part of the nearby Dawenkou Culture, which started around 4300 BC. This will bring the history of Qingdao city to the neolithic period - around 7,000 years ago. Previously, Qingdao was believed to be built in the Song Dynasty, in the 11th century.

So far, nearly 30 tombs have been excavated at the Beiqian site. They have many features in common: all the grave pits are rectangular, with the body's head pointing toward the East. And almost all of them have pottery shards in the corners.

 

Editor:Liu Fang