Tracing the origins: The birth of Chinese civilization

Da Wen Guan Yu

Beijing: Chinese civilization is the only ancient civilization in the world that has continued uninterrupted to the present day. To explore the origins of Chinese civilization, we must rely on new data unearthed through archaeological discoveries.

The Hong Kong Palace Museum is currently hosting a special exhibition titled Tracing the Origins of Chinese Civilization, showcasing recent archaeological findings from the Chinese Civilization Exploration Project. This exhibition features approximately 110 precious artifacts spanning the Neolithic to the Xia Dynasty, representing a 5,000-year history.

The Ta Kung Pao newspaper has launched a series titled Tracing the Roots, which revisits these invaluable artifacts. The series explores three stages of civilization: “Formation (early civilization),” “Flourishing (development of ancient states),” and “Inheritance (the start of dynastic eras).” It delves into the evolution of Chinese civilization’s “diverse unity” centered on the Central Plains (the middle and lower reaches of the Yellow River), showcasing its spiritual life, labor division, and cultural exchanges.

The first installment begins with the “first stage of the ancient state era” as summarized by the Chinese Civilization Exploration Project. It follows key artifacts introduced by curator Huang Weijun, such as the Class I national relic, the “Jade Dragon.” These items reveal clues about the early spiritual life of Chinese civilization and its origins.

The Niuheliang Site, representing the “first stage of the ancient state era,” is part of the Hongshan culture, dating back 5,000–6,000 years. Located in modern-day Inner Mongolia and Liaoning, the Hongshan culture has yielded numerous jade artifacts, with dragon-shaped jade being the most iconic.

Traditionally, Hongshan culture is seen as the result of the Hougang Phase I culture expanding northward, assimilating elements of the indigenous Zhao Bao Gou culture, and forming a unique archaeological culture. According to Wei Jian, director of the Institute of Border Archaeology at Minzu University of China, structures such as “altars, temples, and tombs” found in later Hongshan culture sites symbolize the ritual practices of early Chinese civilization. This indicates that Hongshan culture had entered the first phase of state formation.

Key artifacts include the “Jade Dragon” from Hongshan culture, the “Stone Yue” (axe) from Lingjiatan culture, and the “Floral-patterned Round-bottom Jar” from Yangshao culture. These artifacts illustrate early spiritual life, ancient rituals, and craftsmanship, indicating that by the Neolithic era, Chinese civilization had developed a strong jade culture, pottery techniques, and the rudimentary forms of ritual systems.

The “Jade Dragon” features a slender body, elongated snout, and mane, regarded as the prototype of the Chinese dragon. Huang Weijun notes that large stone tombs at Hongshan sites yielded numerous jade artifacts, suggesting the tomb owners were of high status.

A “Jade Dragon” from the Palace Museum demonstrates that the image of the Chinese dragon began to take shape 5,000 years ago. Considering the time-intensive polishing required for jade, the artifact implies that Hongshan society had a division of labor, with specialized jade craftsmen.

Another iconic jade artifact, the “Pig Dragon,” represents one of the earliest physical depictions of Chinese dragon worship. This jade carving features a curled body and a snout resembling a pig’s nose, hence the name. Some scholars call it the “Bear Dragon” due to its upright ears resembling those of a bear.

Many “Pig Dragon” artifacts have been excavated from the Niuheliang site, crafted from locally sourced Xiuyan jade. Their consistent design and intricate details suggest a specific cultural significance tied to spiritual beliefs.

The largest jade artifact from the Niuheliang site, this ornament features a central hollow design resembling double eyes and curved brows, with holes likely for threading and wearing. Scholars speculate its design may symbolize birds or mythical beasts, used either for communication with the heavens or to signify the owner’s special status.

The Lingjiatan culture, located in the Yangtze River basin, is recognized as one of the sources of Chinese civilization. Its “Stone Yue,” a ceremonial axe, evolved from a tool into a symbol of authority and power. Though not practical for use, its design underscores its role in military and ritual contexts.

The Yangshao culture, contemporary with Hongshan culture, developed a vibrant painted pottery tradition spanning the Yellow River’s middle reaches. Archaeologists regard it as the “first prehistoric art wave,” reflecting a peak in prehistoric art. The jar’s intricate floral design highlights the sophistication of pottery techniques in early Chinese civilization.

The Tracing the Origins of Chinese Civilization exhibition emphasizes jade artifacts featuring dragons, birds, and beasts, tied to early ritual activities. These artifacts reveal the Hongshan people’s reverence for birds and dragons, as well as their craftsmanship and cultural exchange.

The rediscovered jade artifacts reflect the Hongshan people’s aspirations toward the heavens. The values of “dragon reverence” and “jade worship,” along with respect for ancestors and heaven, likely originated in Hongshan culture, forming a foundation for Chinese rituals. The painted pottery and ceremonial axes, meanwhile, illustrate how diverse cultures began to interact, shaping the “diverse unity” of Chinese civilization.