A news conference in Yunhe county of Lishui, Zhejiang province, announced significant archaeological achievements in Southwest Zhejiang on Oct 26.

Xianshengwan Historic Site in Yunhe county of Lishui, Zhejiang province. [Photo/Tide News]

This followed an academic seminar from Oct 25 to 26, during which nearly 200 experts discussed pre-Qin period (before 221 BC) archaeology in the region.

Southwest Zhejiang's mountainous area is a key cultural crossroads for Zhejiang, Fujian, and Jiangxi. Previously, our understanding of its early history was limited to a handful of known Haochuan Culture sites, leaving major gaps in pre-Qin research.

Since 2021, a comprehensive survey led by the Zhejiang Provincial Institute of Cultural Relics and Archaeology has discovered nearly 700 pre-Qin sites.

Xiaoxiongshan Historic Site in Qingyuan county of Lishui, Zhejiang province. [Photo/Tide News]

Excavations at locations like Yunhe's Huangshanshang and Xianshengwan have helped establish a cultural sequence spanning 8,000 to 2,000 years, filling critical voids.

Experts highlighted major breakthroughs. The discovery of over 300 Haochuan Culture sites, including large tombs with rich grave goods, reveals a highly stratified society and a distinct mountain civilization.

Kuahuqiao Culture's range was expanded inland. New findings also provide important clues for tracing the origins of Baiyue Culture.

Dushan Historic Site in Yunhe county of Lishui, Zhejiang province. [Photo/Tide News]

For the next five years, provincial authorities plan to focus studying the civilization of Xia and Shang dynasties (c.21st century-11th century BC), continue regional surveys, and enhance the publication and application of archaeological findings.

Fieldwork methods were also refined for the complex terrain. Success was attributed to strong government support, effective teamwork, dedicated funding, and the establishment of a local archaeological workstation.