Most visitors of Beijing will queue for the standard bearer, National Museum of China in Tiananmen Square, but this Chinese Archaeological Museum near the Olympics Park is definitely worth a detour.
The Chinese Archaeological Museum, a national-level professional archaeological museum under the Chinese Academy of History, houses over 6,000 artefacts from field archaeology.
Its main exhibition, themed 「历史中国 鼎铸文明：中国历史研究院文物文献精品展」“Historic China: Founding Civilisation,” is divided into five sections: “文明起源” “Origins of Civilisation,” “宅兹中国” “Dwelling in China,” “大国一统” “Unified Great Nation,” “和融万方” “Harmonious Integration,” and “民族觉醒” “National Awakening.” These sections showcase artefacts and documents from the Palaeolithic era to modern times.
Table of Contents
In the Chinese Archaeological Museum, some exhibits are displayed in small, warehouse-like compartments. Artefacts from archaeological sites are densely arranged by site and relic unit, with explanatory illustrations alongside. This “warehouse-style” display method highlights the museum’s unique approach to exhibition.
Another highlight of the museum is its “immersive experience.” The museum employs various techniques such as video presentations, multimedia interactions, scene simulations, transparent OLED displays, and naked-eye 3D to recreate ancient historical scenes, guiding visitors through time.
Additionally, the museum offers numerous interactive installations: flip through Emperor Yongzheng’s imperial edicts with a simple gesture, play a favourite tune on bronze bells, collect stamps at the cultural shop, and send a vintage-style letter from the Lantai Post Office. These interactive features allow visitors to engage and experience history firsthand while exploring the museum.
Origins of Civilization 文明起源
In the first exhibition section, “Origins of Civilization,” the Stone Age corridor is designed to resemble a rocky cave, with rough rock walls and a starry sky above, immersing visitors in a prehistoric night. Human figures projected on the walls depict the transition from the Palaeolithic to the Neolithic era.
In the Agricultural Origins section, realistic simulations of rice and millet fields take visitors to ancient farmlands, showcasing the development of Chinese agricultural civilisation.
Dawn of the Chinese Civilisation
China is one of the few countries in the world where early state civilisation formed independently. Around 8000 years ago, the primitive ancestors in China began to settle down and live in villages. Sedentary life promotes the development of agriculture, primitive art and pottery making technology. 3
Around 5800 years ago, the Yellow River, the middle and lower reaches of the Yangtze River and the Xiliao River showed the signs of the origin of civilisation. The process of civilisation in each region is aboriginal and distinctive.
Meanwhile, such a large-scale cultural integration movement marked by the expansion of Miaodigou painted pottery and the spread of ritual jade assemblages.
The spread of painted pottery to an extensive territory reflects the first unification of cultural identity in the formation process of Chinese civilisation. From about 5500 years ago, the main prehistoric cultural areas in China have generally started the process of social complexity. At the latest, around 5300 years ago, the dawn of Chinese civilisation finally shines in the East.
Pottery Zun (Deep Vat) 大口陶尊 (Neolithic – Dawenkou)
This pottery vat, with a sandy grey-brown body, is robust and heavy, featuring a wide mouth and a pointed bottom like a Greek amphora. The entire surface is decorated with diagonal basket patterns, and a group of symbols is inscribed on the upper part of the belly, depicting the sun, moon, and mountain from top to bottom. Large-mouthed pottery vessels are mostly found in tombs, but some are also discovered at house sites. This particular vessel was found in the tomb of a child around two years old, and it matches another pottery vessel. The inscribed symbols on the large-mouthed vessel are significant, closely resembling the structure of some ideographic characters from the Yin-Shang period.6
Pottery Flat Flask with Red Character 朱书文字陶扁壶 (Neolithic – Yangshao)
Unearthed from a late Taosi culture ash pit within a residential site, the vessel is already damaged. On its drum-shaped body, a character “文” (wen) is inscribed in cinnabar, its structure closely resembling that of oracle bone script. On one side of the flat-bottomed vessel, two characters are inscribed in cinnabar, currently undecipherable; some scholars believe it to be “尧” (Yao), others “邑” (yi), and still others “唐” (Tang). A cinnabar band encircles the damaged area, indicating the vessel was already damaged when the inscription was lost. The brushstrokes of the “撒” (sa) and “捺” (na) strokes are clearly visible, suggesting the tool used for writing was a brush.7
Seven-Columned Pottery Vessel with Perforations 七柱镂孔器 (Neolithic – Longshan)
This is a very eye-catching artefact that has been nicknamed “Wifi Router”. All seven perforated pillars were unearthed within the foundation of a house. This type of artefact has only been found at the Yuchisi site so far; the relatively complete examples are largely identical in size, shape, and decoration, suggesting they were specially made. Their placement and usage are still uncertain, but they were likely non-utilitarian objects, possibly related to religious purposes.8
Dwelling in China 宅兹中国
This section showcases the development of Xia, Shang and Zhou dynasties, mainly from relics and artefacts unearthed from the ruins of Erlitun, Yinxu, etc. One of the highlight of the exhibition is the turquoise mosaic of the dragon from the Erlitun excavations discovered in 2002.9
Moving into the Oracle Bone Script section, visitors can watch videos on the evolution of oracle bone script, experience a divination process, and view a replica site of the Taosi site in Xiangfen, Shanxi.
Another highlight is the entire section on excavation finding of Ruins of Yin, aka Yinxu 殷墟, and the collection of Lady Fuhao‘s funerary goods unearthed from the ruins. When we enter the world of Xia, Shang and Zhou, we will have a deeper perception of “China”.
Xia-Shang-Zhou Chronology Project
The full name is “The comprehensive research on the origins and early developments of Chinese Civilisation“12. It is another major scientific research project supported by the China state, combining multiple disciplines to the study of ancient Chinese history and culture, following the national key scientific and technological project of the “Xia-Shang-Zhou Chronology Project“13.
One of the main purpose of the project was to verify some of the written history as true and not just a fictional work. Especially the period of Xia Dynasty (c. 2070–1600 BC) and before that, there was very little physical evidence that what was recorded happened. The project has achieved fruitful results and revealed the origin and early development of Chinese civilisation dating back more than 5000 years.14
Xia, Shang and Zhou dynasties are the historical periods of the formation, development and prosperity of Chinese slavery society, as well as the formation of the national style, value and cultural pattern of Chinese civilisation. Around 3800 years ago, the Central Plains formed a more mature form of civilisation, with cultural influence radiating in all directions.16
The Shang Dynasty (c. 1600-1050 BC) is famous for its rather mature writing system represented by oracle bone inscriptions. “Oracle bone inscriptions represent the earliest fully-developed writing system found in China so far. Oracle bone inscriptions are the origins of Chinese characters as well as the historical root of traditional Chinese culture. The discovery of oracle bone inscriptions is epoch-making in the history of Chinese civilisation and even human civilisation development.”
The Legend of Fuhao
Many thought the rectangular “Hou Mu Wu” ding in the National Museum of China was cast to consecrate Fuhao, wife of King Wu Ding of Shang – it is not. The actual ding for Fuhao is in this museum, together with large amount of jade and feminine stuff (she is a woman after all).
Fu Hao 妇好 was one of the sixty-four consorts of King Wu Ding 武丁, the twelfth ruler of the Shang Dynasty (1600-1066 BC) in ancient China. Her tomb, excavated in 1976, is the only royal tomb that has been discovered intact and the only Anyang burial whose occupant can be confidently identified. More than a hundred bronzes bear the name of Fu Hao.19 Dated around 1250 BC, it is a tomb of modest size located outside the main royal cemetery.
“Si Mu Xin” Bronze Rectangular Ding “司母辛”铜方鼎 (Shang Dynasty)
A pair of bronze square ding vessels bearing the inscription “Si Mu Xin” “司母辛” were buried with Fu Hao in her tomb. The rim is decorated with a band of kui dragon patterns. The inscription “Si Mu Xin” is cast on the inner wall below the rim, indicating that Fu Hao’s children cast these ding vessels to commemorate their deceased mother, Xin “辛”. “Xin” was the temple name Fu Hao was given in the ancestral temple after her death. Weighing 117.5 kilograms, these ding vessels are rare examples of large and heavy artefacts from the Shang Dynasty.20
Emergence of Zhou
Bronze Bells, Bronze Armband 铜铃、铜钏 (Western Zhou)
In 1046 BC, the Zhou people moved eastward and established the Western Zhou Dynasty after the defeat of the Shang Dynasty. With Feng and Hao as the capital, they implemented a series of social, political and cultural systems with the patriarchal clan system and the enfeoffment system as the core. At that time, the ancient Chinese Liyue (ritual and music) system finally formed.
During this period, the system of abdication for kingship was replaced by the hereditary system, which was a trinity of the royal power, the clan power and the divine power, and thus initiated the political institution for the succeeding dynasties.
Unified Great Nation 大国一统
The third segment is titled, Unified Great Nation 「大国一统」, and covers Qin to Qing dynasties, focusing on the historical orientation of the Chinese nation featuring exchanges and integration, the harmonious coexistence of diverse religious beliefs in China, and the openness of Chinese culture to world civilisations.
The “Great Unity” 「大一统」in ancient Chinese political thought refers to the powerful ideal of a unified empire, emerging prominently during the chaotic Warring States period (475-221 BC) as thinkers sought solutions to fragmentation, with various schools like Confucianism, Legalism, and Taoism debating how to achieve this unity, ultimately shaping China’s enduring cultural and political emphasis on a single, centralised state. This concept, rooted in the belief that stability requires centralised rule (“stability is in unity”), became the bedrock of imperial governance, influencing China’s identity and political practices for millennia.25
In a nutshell, China became “unified” starting from Qin dynasty, and except for a few usurpation from rogue factions that caused the unity to be broken, like the Northern and Southern Dynasties 南北朝 (420-589) and Five Dynasties Ten Kingdoms 五代十國 (907-979), China has been generally been unified under one flag. And then there are the civil wars when the country was splintered into smaller groups but generally still managed by one major political power.
Generals that fought against foreign oppressions were praised on the wall. It is very clear from the exhibits that reunification of the “Great Nation” is not very far from the official minds.
Jade Carving With Record Of Imperial Succession Of Emperor Ai of Tang 唐哀帝即位玉册 (Tang Dynasty)
There are six jade tablets in total, made of white marble. Each tablet is engraved with 4-7 characters in regular script, in relief, with gold filling the characters. There is a small round hole at each end for attaching a cord to bind them together. This jade tablet is the enthronement document of Emperor Ai of Tang, and it was unearthed from the ruins of a building inside the Yingtian Gate of the Ziyin Palace.
Harmonious Integration 和融万方
Harmonious Integration 「和融万方」is about the Silk Road and the Ocean Silk Road, the trade routes and the cultural interactions between the nations on the routes.
Buddhism Through The Silk Road
With the opening and thriving of the Silk Road, Chinese Taoism and Confucianism were spread to other countries Ambassadors, businessmen and immigrants from the countries along the Silk Road introduced into China the Buddhism, Zoroastrianism, Nestorianism, and many other religious beliefs.
Although the exact time when Buddhism was introduced into China is still in debate, it is generally accepted Buddhism was introduced into China through multiple routes. In 2 BC, the Royal envoys of the Greater Yuezhi dictated the Sutra of Buddha, marked the beginning of Buddhism’s introduction into the Han Dynasty. After continuous interactions with Confucianism, Taoism and other aboriginal cultures, buddhism finally integrated into Chinese traditional culture. 30
Clay Figurine Of Arhat 泥塑罗汉像 (Liao Dynasty)
The eyes are inlaid with black glass beads, the entire body is painted and gilded, and the figure stands barefoot on an upturned lotus pedestal. The clay statue is supported by a wooden frame inside, shaped with rough clay using straw sticks, and then painted with fine clay after being polished. This is the only batch of clay Arhat statues unearthed in archaeological excavations to date.31 This item is now moved from the side panel to a central location in the hall due to its beauty and popularity.
The final segment is titled, National Awakening「民族觉醒」, which covers China’s resistance against foreign oppressors since the Opium War. The final segment wase closed when I visited the museum.
Temporary Exhibitions
In the annexed building houses the temporary exhibitions that are organised based on themes. Like this one that I visited in 2024 that featured the symbolism of the Chinese dragons as an icon in 8000 years of relics and artefacts.
This exhibition is divided into three sections: Dragon Emerging from the East, Dragon Traveling Across the World, and Dragon Spreading Across the Seas, by showcasing dragon-themed cultural relics unearthed from sites such as Hongshan, Lingjiatan, Liangzhu, Taosi, Erlitou, Yinxu, and Sanxingdui.
Combining archaeological site backgrounds, interviews with archaeologists, and 3D displays of cultural relics, it vividly presents the development and evolution of China’s 8,000-year-old dragon culture, leading the audience to gain a deeper understanding of the historical value and cultural significance of the “dragon” as a totem of the Chinese nation.
Bronze Dragon Relief Plate 铜盘龙纹盘 (Shang Dynasty)
Bronze plates appeared in the early Shang Dynasty and became popular in the late Shang Dynasty. They were used as water containers for the pre- and post-meal rituals of making vows 沃盟之礼. This particular plate is decorated with 12 fish patterns below the rim, and three sets of animal mask patterns on the lower part. The bottom of the plate is decorated with fish and dragon patterns. The dragon pattern is coiled on the bottom of the plate, and the dragon’s body is decorated with diamond patterns, with small circular patterns below the neck. There is a kui dragon above the dragon’s neck. The dragon and kui dragon patterns are exquisite and delicate.34
Jade Pendant with Double Dragon Carving 玉双龙佩 (Western Han)
This composite dragon-shaped pendant is carved in openwork, featuring two coiled, symmetrical dragons. The two ends of the pendant are symmetrically carved with dragon heads looking back. The dragon bodies are twisted and decorated with grain patterns, and below the dragons are stylized cloud patterns. The two dragons are joined back-to-back, resembling a jade pendant. Similar jade pendants have been unearthed from the Chu tombs at Changtaiguan in Xinyang, Henan, and Ligushan in Jiangling, Hubei.35
You can understand more about Chinese fascination of the dragon in my Chinese zodiac series for 2024, “Enter the Dragon“.
Highlights of the Museum
China Social Sciences Press (an affiliate of the museum) published a book entitled “Stories Behind Ten Chinese Cultural Relics,”36 co-written by a host of Chinese archaeologists and historians. They tell the story of Chinese history through national treasure-class cultural relics, and among these three can be found in the museum.
Pottery Basin With Painted Coiled Dragon Pattern 龙山文化彩绘蟠龙纹陶盘 (Neolithic – Longshan)
This pottery plate37, featuring one of the earliest dragon images found in China, was discovered at the Taosi site and provides insights into the origin of Chinese civilisation and early artistic expression. This plate is one of the 195 artefacts that is forbidden to be exhibited overseas.
Turquoise Mosaic Dragon 绿松石龙形器 (Xia Dynasty)
Found at the Erlitou site, this mosaic38 serves as important evidence for the existence of the Xia Dynasty, considered China’s first dynasty. Its discovery helps trace the emergence of early state-level society.
Ivory Cup inlaid with Turquoise, from the Tomb of Fu Hao 嵌綠松石象牙杯 (Shang Dynasty)
The Ivory Cup inlaid with Turquoise is a stunning Shang Dynasty artefact (c. 1200 BCE) found in the intact tomb of Lady Fu Hao in Anyang, China, showcasing exquisite craftsmanship with intricate turquoise chips set in carved ivory, featuring a handle shaped like a bird or dragon (Kui 夔), highlighting the wealth and artistry of the era, and revealing the importance of this powerful warrior queen.39 This cup is one of the 195 artefacts that is forbidden to be exhibited overseas.
About Chinese Archaeological Museum
The museum was officially opened to public in Sep 2023 and has four levels of exhibition halls. There’s one main theme exhibition with five separate segments, showcasing over 6,000 relics and artefacts.40
- 时间每天 9:00-16:30 提前30分钟停止入馆
- 周二仅限历史、考古、文博及相关单位团体参观
- 周一闭馆（法定节假日除外）
- 2025年10月1日至10月8日延长开放至17:00地址北京市朝阳区国家体育场北路1号院1号楼（南门）
- 费用 – Free（需预约）
For individual visitors, reservations can be made via the official WeChat account of the museum, which can be accessed by tapping the button below. To complete this process, tap “预约入口” (Entrance for Reservations) on the bottom of the account’s main page, then tap “预约” (ABOUT) and choose “个人预约” (Reservations for Individuals) to check the available time slots. Currently, group visitors can only make reservations by calling the designated reservation hotline (+86-10-87421098) .
Chinese Archaeological Museum 中国考古博物馆
北京市朝阳区国家体育场北路1号院1号楼（南门）
No. 15 Beichen East Road, Chaoyang
All photos taken at Chinese Archaeological Museum (Beijing), Oct 2024, unless otherwise noted.
Footnotes :
- Pottery Human Head 陶塑人头像
Pottery | Neolithic Age Xiaohexi Culture (ca. 8500BP) | Yushushan site, Aohan Banner, Inner Mongolia | Collection of Chinese Archaeological Museum. 陶器｜新石器时代 小河西文化（距今约8500年）｜内蒙古敖汉榆树山遗址｜中国考古博物馆藏
↩︎ - Pottery Portrait of Human Face 陶人面像
Pottery | Neolithic Age Yangshao Culture (4900BC-2900BC) | Beishouling site, Baoji, Shaanxi | Collection of Chinese Archaeological Museum. 陶器｜新石器时代 仰韶文化（公元前4900～前2900年）｜陕西宝鸡北首岭遗址｜中国考古博物馆藏
男性面部形象。脸部丰颐，鼻梁挺直，下颌微圆，顶部平，额前头发用绳纹表示，以黑彩绘出眉毛和胡须，眼睛及口部镂孔，双耳扁平，穿有小孔。
↩︎ - 中国是世界上为数不多的独立形成早期国家文明的国家之一。距今8000年前后，中国境内的原始先民开始定居，营造聚落。定居生活保进了农业的发展、原始艺术的进步以及陶器制作技术的提高。距今5800年前后，黄河、长江中下游以及西辽河等区域出观了文明起源迹象。各地区的文明化进程异彩纷量、各有特色，同时也发生了以庙底沟类型彩陶的扩张和玉礼番的传播等为显著标志的大规模文化整合运动。彩陶的传播与演变，是中华文明形成过程中第一次大范围的文化认同，开辟了中华文明大一统的先声。从距今5500年左右起，中国各主要史前文化区普遍开始社会复杂化进程，最迟到距今5300年前后，中华文明的曙光终于闪耀东方。
↩︎ - Jade Huangs Pendants, Jade Bi Disc, Jade Cong 玉璜、玉壁、玉琮
Jadeite | Neolithic Age – Qijia Culture (2200BC-1600BC) | Shizhaocun site. Tianshui, Gansu | Collection of Chinese Archaeological Museum. 玉器｜新石器时代 齐家文化（公元前2200～前1600年）｜甘肃天水师赵村遗址出土｜中国考古博物馆藏
璧由墨绿色透闪岩制成，磨制精致，和一件玉琮一起同出于墓主人下颌骨下，东西并列。史前玉璧标志着财富和地位，并用于祭祀等礼仪活动，是祭祀“六玉”之一，用于祭天。
↩︎ - Shuanghuaishu Site
Shuanghuaishu site is located in Shuanghuaishu Vil-lage, Gongyi City, Zhengzhou City, Henan Province, dating from 3300 to 2900 BC. It is a metropolitan settlement site carefully selected, and is the largest core settlement of the Yangshao culture during the middle and late Yangshao Culture discovered in the Yellow River Basin so far. Inside the site, there were found three layers of large moats, large-sized central dwelling sites, enclosure walls with the earliest barbican structure, as well as large public cemeteries and rammed-earth altars after strict planning, etc. Abundant artifacts of the Yangshao culture period were un-earthed, among which painted pottery and the earliest silkworm-shaped carved tusk objects related to the origins of silk are extremely important.
↩︎ - Pottery Zun (Deep Vat) 大口陶尊
Pottery | Neolithic Dawenkou Culture (4200 BC to 2600 BC) | Site of Yuchi Temple in Anhui Province | Collection of Chinese Archeological Museum. 陶器｜新石器时代 大汶口文化（公元前4200～前2600年）｜安徽尉迟寺遣址｜中国考古博物馆藏
夹砂灰褐胸，形休厚重，大口尖底，通体饰斜篮纹，腹上部刻划一组符号，从上至下为“日、月、山”形。大口陶尊多出于墓葬，也有出自房址的。这件大口陶尊出自2岁左右的儿童墓，与另外一件陶尊相扣合。大口陶尊上的刻划符号意义重大，与殷商时期一些表意字的构成非常接近。 ↩︎ - Pottery Flat Flask with Red Character 朱书文字陶扁壶 (Neolithic – Yangshao)
Pottery | Neolithic Age – Taosi Culture (2300BC-1900BC) | Taosi site, Xiangfen, Shanxi | Collection of Chinese Archaeological Museum. 陶器｜新石器吋代 – 陶寺文化（公元前2300～前1900年）｜山西襄汾陶寺遗址出土｜中国考古博物馆藏
出土于居住遗址内一座陶寺文化晚期的灰坑内，已残。壶鼓腹部用朱砂写有一个“文”，与甲骨文形体结构十分相像。平腹的一面朱书两个字符，目前尚不能识读，有学者认为是“尧”，有学者认为是“邑”，还有学者认为是“唐”。沿破损处涂朱一周，表明在失书时此壶即己残破。撒、捺笔峰清晰，推测用来节写的工具应为毛笔。
↩︎ - Seven-Columned Pottery Vessel with Perforations 七柱镂孔器
Pottery | Neollthic Age – Longshan Culture (2600BC-2000BC) | Yuchisi site. Mengcheng, Anhui | Collection of Chinese Archaeological Museum. 陶器｜薪石器时代 – 龙山文化（公元前2600～前2000年）｜安徽蒙城尉迟寺遗址出土｜中国考古博物馆藏
七柱镂孔器均出土于房址内。此种造型器物目前只见于尉迟寺遗址，较为完整的大小、形制、纹饰基本相同，似有专门加工。其摆放和使用方式尚无定论，应是非实用器，可能是一种与宗教有关的器物。
↩︎ - 三楼「宅兹中国」展区讲述夏商周三代的历史，主要呈现二里头、殷墟等遗址发掘的文物。最重磅的展品为河南偃师二里头遗址的绿松石龙形器，为2002年出土迄今首次公开展出，它长约70厘米，由2000余片绿松石片组合而成，是夏文化最重要、最精美也是最独特的文物之一，推测用于高等级贵族的祭祀活动.
↩︎ - Jade pieces from Fuhao’s tomb
Jadeite | Shang Dynasty (ca. 1600BC-1046BC) | Fuhao Tomb, Ruins of Yin, Anyang, Henan | Collection of Chinese Archaeological Museum. 玉器｜商（約公元前1600～公元前1046年）｜河南安阳殷墟妇好墓｜中国考古博物馆藏
↩︎ - Turquoise Inlaid Bronze Plaques with Beast Mask Design 嵌绿松石兽面紋铜牌饰
Turquoise, Bronze | Erlitou Culture (about 1800-1500 BC) | Erlitou Site, Yanshi, Henan | Collection of Chinese Archeological Museum. 綠松石、铜｜二里头文化（约公元前1800-公元前1500年）｜河南偃师二里头遗址｜中国考古博物馆藏
（左）微拱的弧形铜胎上铸出兽面纹，再以数百枚细小的绿松石片镶嵌其上，以浑圓的绿松石珠为睛，勾画出奇异的神兽形象。镶嵌绿松石铜牌饰，是中国最早的“金镶玉”艺术品。二里头绿松石龙形器和嵌绿松石铜牌饰，开创了商周青铜器上兽面母题的先河。
（右）圆角梯形，瓦状隆起，两侧各有二钮。以青铜铸成兽纹镂空框架，镶嵌以绿松石片。出土时绿松石片全部悬空（原来或有依托）。善面两眼圆睁，弯眉，虎鼻状直鼻，下颔有利齿，身有鳞状斑纹。所嵌四百余块长条形、方形和三角形绿松石片，厚约0.2厘米，大者仅0.5厘米左右，排列致密有序，镶嵌十分牢固。
↩︎ - In Chinese : 中华文明起源与早期发展综合研究. The project is mainly undertaken by the Institute of Archaeology, Chinese Academy of Social Sciences and the School of Archaeology and Museology, Peking University. It is a multi-disciplinary research based on modern science and technology by employing archaeological materials obtained from investigations and exca-vations. It is a national science and technology research and technology support project during the 10th Five-Year Plan, the 11th Five-Year Plan and the 12th Five-Year Plan. Since the preliminary study of the exploration project was commenced at the end of June 2002, the fourth stage of the project has been successfully completed by December 2016. At present, the project has entered the fifth stage of the study.
↩︎ - In Chinese: “夏商周断代工程” ,
Around 5800 years ago, the Yellow River, the middle and lower reaches of the Yangtze River, the Xiliao River and other regions emerged the signs of incipient civilisation; since 5300 years ago, all regions in the territory of modern China have gradually advanced to civilisation; around 3800 years ago, a more mature form of civilisation has formed in the Central Plains and then imposed influence to its neighbouring regions as the core cultural area in the process of Chinese civilisation development. The project has filled up the vacuity of the origin and early development of Chinese civilisation, which was absent in historical records. It reveals the overall characteristics of Chinese civilisation as “plurality and unity, inclusivity and continuity”.
↩︎ - 中华文明探源工程
中华文明探源工程全称是“中华文明起源与早期发展综合研究”，是继国家“九五”重点科技攻关项目——“夏商周断代工程”之后，又一项由国家支持的多学科综合研究中国古代历史与文化的重大科研项目。由中国社会科学院考古研究所和北京大学考古文博学院为主要承担单位，以考古调查发掘为获取相关资料的主要手段，以现代科学技术为支撑，采取多学科交叉研究的方式进行，是国家“十五”“十一五”“十二五”科技攻关、科技支撑项目。自
2002年6 月末探源工程启动预备性研究，至2016年 12月工程第四阶段已顺利结项，目前进入到研究的第五阶段。
中华文明探源工程取得的丰硕成果，揭示了中华民族五千多年文明起源与早期发展过程。距今5800年前后，黄河、长江中下游以及西辽河等区域出现文明起源迹象；距今5300年以来，中华大地各地区陆续进入文明阶段；距今
3800年前后，中原地区形成更为成熟的文明形态，并向四方辐射文化影响力，成为中华文明总进程的核心与引者。中华文明探源工程项目取得的另一项重大成果，是对中华文明多元一体格局的形成有了总体认识，并证实了中华文明“多元一体、兼容并蓄、绵延不断”的总体特征。
↩︎ - Bronze jue Wine Vessels 铜爵、铜角
Bronzeware | Shang Dynasty (ca. 1600BC-1046BC) | Collection of Chinese Archaeological Museum. 铜器｜商（約公元前1600～公元前1046年）｜中国考古博物馆藏
↩︎ - 宅兹中国 DWELL IN THIS, THE CENTER OF THE LAND
夏商周三代是中国奴隶社会形成、发展井走向鼎盛的历史时期，也是中华民族风格、价值取向和文化格局的形成时期。距今3800年前后，中原地区形成了更为成熟的文明形态，文化影响辐射四方。
商朝以甲骨文着称于世，“甲骨文是迄今为止中国发观的年代最早的成熟文字系統，是汉字的源头和中华优秀传统文化的根脉。殷墟甲骨文的重大发现在中华文明乃至人类文明发展史上具有划时代的意义”。
周人于公元前1046年挥师东进，灭商后建立西周王朝，以丰镐为都，实行以宗法制和分封制为核心的一系列社会、政治和文化制度，中国古代的礼乐制度也于此时最終形成。这一时期在政治上以家族世袭制取代禅让制，王权、族权、神权三位一体，开创了王期政治的先河。当我们走进夏商周的世界，对“中国”有了更加深切的感知。
↩︎ - Inscribed Oracle Turtle Shell 刻辞卜甲
Bone | Shang Dynasty (c. 1600BC-1046BC) | Huayuanzhuang East Locus, Anyang, Henan | Collection of Archaeological Museum. 骨｜商（約公元前1600～公元前1046年）｜河南安阳花园庄东地出土｜中国考古博物馆藏
↩︎ - Bronze yue Ceremonial Axe 铜钺
Bronzeware | Shang Dynasty (ca. 1600BC-1046BC) | Fuhao Tomb, Ruins of Yin, Anyang, Henan | Collection of Chinese Archaeological Museum. 铜器｜商（約公元前1600～公元前1046年）｜河南安阳殷墟妇好墓｜中国考古博物馆藏
妇好墓共出土四件铜钺，是目前所见商代贵族墓随葬铜钺第二多者（最多者随葬七件铜钺），进一步印证了妇好执掌帅权、我马一生的传奇经历。这件铜钺装饰的虎食人纹在商代青铜纹饰中多次出现。虎食人纹下有铭文“妇好”二字。
↩︎ - Altogether Fu Hao’s tomb contained:
– 468 bronze objects including 130 weapons, 23 bells, 27 knives, 4 mirrors, and 4 tigers or tiger heads
– 755 jade objects
– 63 stone objects
– 5 ivory objects
– 564 bone objects including nearly 500 bone hairpins and over 20 bone arrowheads
– 11 pottery objects
– 6,900 pieces of cowry shell
https://depts.washington.edu/chinaciv/archae/2fuhmain.htm, accessed 19 Dec 2025
↩︎ - “Si Mu Xin” Bronze Rectangular Ding “司母辛”铜方鼎 (Shang Dynasty)
Bronzeware | Shang Dynasty (ca. 1600BC-1046BC) | Fuhao Tomb, Ruins of Yin, Anyang, Henan | Collection of Chinese Archaeological Museum. 铜器｜商（約公元前1600～公元前1046年）｜河南安阳殷墟妇好墓｜中国考古博物馆藏
妇好墓随葬一对司母辛铜方鼎，口沿下一周夔龙纹为主纹。铭文“司母辛”铸于口下内壁，意思是妇好的子女为祭祀亡母辛而铸此鼎，“辛”是妇好去世后在宗庙被供奉的庙号。此鼎重达117.5公斤，是不多见的商代大型重器。
↩︎ - Bronze Horse Ornament, Bronze Human Faces 铜当卢、铜人面饰、铜人面
Bronze | Western Zhou Dynasty (1046BC-770BC) | Cemetery of Yan State, Lulihe, Fangshan, Beijing | Collection of Chinese Archaeological Museum. 铜器｜西周（公元前1046～公元前770年）｜北京房山琉璃河燕国墓地｜中国考古博物馆藏
（当卢） 上部为兽头，圆目，阔鼻，口微张（双目、鼻翼及口均镂空），圆形双耳立于头上。
中部兽面，下面为善头装饰。
（铜人面饰）人面，窄眉，圆目，阔鼻，大口，眼眶内凹，眼大而外凸，中间一圆孔，鼻梁较低，鼻孔较大，口内上下两排大牙，双耳小而平。前额、双耳及下颚部各有園形小孔两个。
↩︎ - Beast-shaped Bronze zun Vessel 銅牺尊
Bronze | Western Zhou Dynasty (1046BC-770BC) | Zhangapo Cemetery, Changfan, Shaanxi Collection of Chinese Archaeological Museum. 铜器｜西周 （公元前1046～-公元前770年）
陕西长安张家坡西周墓地出土｜中国考古博物馆藏
盛酒器，器身为一站立状怪兽。兽首前瞻，顶有柱状双角。角内侧有一弯曲上翘之小叉。兽鼻隆起，耳细长而竖起。腿短而粗壮，短尾呈三角形。兽腹两侧各有一鸟形竖扉，鸟首向上，扉下有三角形小翼。四蹄侧面有爪形刻道。牺尊背部有盖，盖钮为一站立凤鸟，项背附着一卷尾虎，作行走状。胸前及臂部各附着一回首卷尾龙。器身上饰夔纹及兽面紋。盖内底及器体腹内底各有两行六字铭文：“（豆廾）仲作宝（阝尊）彝”。
↩︎ - Civil official figurine 文吏俑
Pottery | Northern Qi Dynasty (550-577) | Mural Tomb of Northern Dynasties, Ci county, Hebei | Collection of Chinese Archaeological Museum. 陶｜北齐（公元550~577年）｜河北磁县湾漳北朝壁画墓出土｜中国考古博物馆藏
头戴黑色平巾帻，面相方正丰满，额头宽阔；双眉弯曲起脊，鼻梁高耸，双唇微张。上穿粉白色圆领衣，外套朱红色高领广袖褶服，外罩两裆，下穿白色大口裤，足穿黑色笏头履。双臂交拱于胸前。
↩︎ - Bronze mirrors from Tang Dynasty 铜镜
Bronze | Tang Dynasty (618-907) | The Xingyuan tombs in Tang Dynasty, Yanshi, He’nan | Collection of Chinese Archaeological Museum. 铜器｜唐（公元618~907年）｜ 河南偃师杏园唐墓出土｜中国考古博物馆藏
(L-R)
1. 菱花形鸾鸟瑞兽纹铜镜 Water caltrop flower-shaped bronze mirror with auspicious beast design
2. 葵花形双雁系绶荷花铜镜 Mallow-shaped bronze mirror with geese and lotus design
3. 金银平脱对鸟纹铜镜 Couple birds designed bronze mirror with polished gold and silver inlay
4. 金银平脱蜂蝶纹铜镜 Butterfly and bee designed bronze mirror with polished gold and silver inlay
5. 瑞兽铭文铜镜 Bronze mirror with auspicious beast Inscription
1984-1993年考古研究所在河南省偃师市杏园陆续发掘了69座唐墓，其中 M1902 出土了一文一武两件三彩俑、文官俑头戴进贤冠，武官俑头戴山形冠。均身着宽袖袍，内着圆领衫、腰束带，靴头微露于裳外，踏低矮半圆形台座。而面丰颐、袖手而立。宽袖袍施黄褐色釉，领口及袖边施蓝釉。形体较大、造型匀称，釉色光洁艳丽，反映了盛唐时期的厚葬之风。
↩︎ - Author: Yuri Pines “THE ONE THAT PERVADES THE ALL” IN ANCIENT CHINESE POLITICAL THOUGHT: THE ORIGINS OF “THE GREAT UNITY” PARADIGM Online Publication Date: 01 Jan 2000
↩︎ - 《续修台湾府志》
清 余文仪修、黄份纂 清 刻本
台湾收归清政权管理后，从康熙至花隆年间短短八十余年即编修台湾府志6部。该书由台湾道余文仪于乾隆二十五年（1760）主持编修，乾隆二十九年刊行，取材广泛、内容丰富，凡封城、规脚、官职、赋役、人物、风俗，物产学无所不包，是了解台湾历史的重要文献。
↩︎ - 《小琉球漫志》
清 朱仕玠撰 乾隆三十年（1765）刻本
清中叶台湾地区的风物志书。朱仕玠营任职于台湾府凤山县学，该书记载作者赴台途中的艰险历程，台湾的奇观美景，风俗民情等内容。
↩︎ - Jade Carving With Record Of Imperial Succession Of Emperor Ai of Tang 唐哀帝即位玉册
Jadeite | Tang Dynasty (618-907) | Excavated from Dongdu Palace site in Luoyang, Henan | Collection of Chinese Archaeological Museum. 玉器｜唐（公元618~907年）｜河南洛阳唐东都宫城遗址出土｜中国考古博物馆藏
共六枚，汉白玉质地，每枚刻4～7字，楷书，阴文，字内填金。两端各有一小圆孔，用以系绳编缀。该玉册为唐哀帝即位册文，出士于资阴宫城应天门内残房基中。铭文为：“十五日丙午”，“百年重熙”，“祖业克绍”，“令誉播于区字比”，“宝图光践”，“夏文德以口口戈”。
↩︎ - Woodcarving Sanskrit Trun Valley 木版雕梵文陀罗尼经
Paper | Tang Dynasty (618-907) | Tomb of copper net factory site, Xian, Shaanxi | Collection of Chinese Archaeological Museum. 纸｜唐（公元618~907年）｜陕西西安铜网厂唐墓出土｜中国考古博物馆藏
该经咒印画在一长方形单页纸上，出土时卷成细筒放置于一小铜管内。中心框内为一幅墨线人物图，画面右半部绘一金刚力士，左下方画一祈祷状男子。中心方框外和印刷边框线之间为雕版印刷的梵文陀罗尼经文。印刷外框外绘有墨线印契、法器和花朵等。
↩︎ - 随着丝绸之路的开辞和繁荣，我国的道教，儒家思想随之传播，各国使者、来华经商或定居者将佛教、琐罗亚斯德教、摩尼教、翠教、伊斯兰教，基督教等多种宗教信仰陆续传入。
佛教传入我国的确切年代尚无定论，但经由西北、南方、海上多条丝绸之路传入国已是共识。西汉元寿元年（公元前2年），大月氏王使臣口授《浮屠经》，成为佛教传入汉地之始的标志。
佛教传入后，被我国本土文化改造和吸收，形成汉传、藏传和南传佛教三大派别。经过与儒、道等本土文化不断磨合、佛教最终融人中华传统文化。
↩︎ - Clay Figurine Of Arhat 泥塑罗汉像 (Liao Dynasty)
Clay | Liao Dynasty (916-1125) | Excavated from site of upper capital palace in Liao Dynasty | Collection of Chinese Archaeological Museum. 泥｜辽（公元916~1125年）｜辽上京皇城西山坡佛寺遗址出土｜中国考古博物馆藏
眼部镶嵌黑色琉璃珠，全身彩绘贴金，跣足立于仰莲座上。泥像内部有木架支撑，用夹草棍粗泥塑形，表面上细泥压光后彩绘。这是目前唯一一批考古出土的泥塑罗汉像。
↩︎ - 展览名称：龙·中华民族的图腾——中国八千年龙文化精品文物展
展览日期：2024年4月29日至12月31日
展览地点：中国考古博物馆（临展厅）
↩︎ - Dragon and phoenix relief flat vase with black flower on white background 白地黑花龙凤纹瓷扁壶
Porcelain | Yuan Dynasty (1206-1368) | Beijing Yuan Dadu Ruins (YMF2;3) | Collection of Chinese Archeological Museum. 瓷器｜元代（1206—1368年）｜北京元大都遗址（YMF2;3）｜中国考古博物馆藏
扁方形小口，腹部微鼓，肩部有四系，平底。腹部两侧在自地上用黑彩分别给出龙、凤纹，并刻划出鳞片和羽毛，侧而饰卷草纹。此壶具有草原民族特征，黑白双色对比强烈，龙凤纹样线条流畅。
↩︎ - Bronze Dragon Relief Plate 铜盘龙纹盘
Bronzeware | Late Shang Period (ca. 1400BC-1046BC) | Excavated from Tomb M18:14, Ruins of Yin, Anyang, Henan | Collection of Chinese Archaeological Museum. 铜器｜商代晚期（约前14世纪─约前11世纪）｜河南安阳殷墟遗址 （M18:14）出土｜中国考古博物馆藏
青铜盘出现于商代早期，至晚期开始流行，为宴前饭后行沃盟之礼的盛水器。此盘口沿下饰12条鱼纹，图是饰三组兽面纹，盘内底饰鱼，龙纹。龙纹盘卷于盘内底，龙身饰菱格纹，嘎下部饰小圆圈纹。龙颈上部有一夔龙，龙纹与夔龙纹精致细腻。
↩︎ - Jade Pendant with Double Dragon Carving 玉双龙佩
Jadeite | Western Han Dynasty (202-8 BC) | Tomb of the King of Chu in Lion Mountain, Xuzhou, Jiangsu Province | Xuzhou Museum Collection. 玉器｜西汉（公元前202年—8年）｜江苏徐州狮子山楚王墓（甬：329）｜徐州博物馆藏
复合式龙形佩透雕而成，主要纹样为盘曲对称的双龙，玉佩两端对称透雕反顾状龙首。龙身虬曲，饰有谷纹，龙身下有变形卷云纹。二龙相背而接，形如玉璜佩饰。河南信阳长台关楚墓和湖北江陵丽谷山楚墓都出土过类似的玉佩。
↩︎ - Author: Yang Lanlan, CHINA SOCIAL SCIENCES PRESS. Historical stories behind national treasures. In the popular collection, the discovery stories and connotations of 10 representative cultural relics are presented, demonstrating underlying Chinese concept, spirit, and value in popular and refined language.
The relics were mostly selected from among those collected by the Chinese Archaeological Museum, while some were chosen from other major cultural relic collection institutions, collectively serving as a representative display of China’s more than 5,000 years of civilization.
The selected relics range from the Taosi culture in the late Neolithic Age, when various civilizations emerged on this land, to the eve of the founding of the People’s Republic of China in 1949, covering more than 5,000 years of Chinese civilizational history. They encompass the remarkable turquoise-inlaid dragon-shaped bronze object of the Erlitou culture of the Bronze Age, the rare ivory cup unearthed from the Tomb of Fu Hao in the Ruins of Yin, and the mysterious He zun [ritual wine vessels] inscribed with the earliest expression of Zhong Guo [China]. Also among the treasures are the Han Dynasty (202 BCE–220) brocade armband embroidered with the phrase “five stars rise in the east, benefit China” and the Tang Dynasty (618–907) animal-head-shaped agate cup, mirroring the prosperity and inclusiveness at the time. In addition, The Shian Kian Weekly Review served as a witness to the magnificent revolutions of modern China.
Most of common cultural relics are covered, including pottery, jade articles, bronze objects, ivory ware, silk fabrics, calligraphic works and paintings, gold and silver vessels, and paper prints. Each item selected is representative of its respective categories. The Western Zhou (c. 11th century–771 BCE) animal-shaped zun unearthed from Zhangjiapo, Xi’an, Shaanxi Province, is impressive for its marvelous shape, exquisite decoration, and complex fabrication methods. It represents the pinnacle of Zhou bronze artisanship. “Riverside Scene at Qingming Festival,” housed in the Palace Museum, represents the most renowned genre painting in the history of Chinese painting.
The book is written by a strong team of authors; archaeologists discuss the cultural relics while historians tell their stories. The narrator of the opening chapter on a plate decorated with the earliest dragon image, He Nu, has long served as the leader of an archaeological excavation team at the Taosi site. The segment on the large turquoise-inlaid dragon-shaped object unearthed at the Erlitou site is authored by Xu Hong, an archaeological “celebrity” who has long been the leader of an archaeological team at Erlitou. The section on the Han brocade armband is contributed by Yu Zhiyong, curator of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region Museum where the piece is preserved.
Source:Chinese Social Sciences. http://english.cssn.cn/books_reviews/202308/t20230802_5676641.shtml, accessed 15 January 2026 ↩︎ - Pottery Basin With Painted Coiled Dragon Pattern, Longshan Culture 龙山文化彩绘蟠龙纹陶盘
Pottery | Neolithic – Taosi Culture (about 4300-3900 years ago) | H 8.8 cm, D 37 cm | Excavated from Taosi site, Xiangfen, Shanxi (M3072:6) | Chinese Archeological Museum collection. 陶器｜新石器时代陶寺文化（距今约4300-3900年）｜山西襄汾陶寺遗址 （M3072:6）｜中国考古博物馆藏
↩︎ - Turquoise Mosaic Dragon 绿松石龙形器
Bronze | Xia dynasty (21st – 16th Century BC) | Dimensions – L:64.5cm | Excavated at Erlitou site in Yanshi, Luoyang, 2002. | Chinese Archaeological Museum Collection. 青铜 | 夏代（约公元前21世纪～前16世纪）| 身长64.5厘米 | 中国考古博物馆藏, 2002年洛阳偃师二里头遗址出土.
↩︎ - Ivory Cup inlaid with Turquoise, from the Tomb of Fu Hao 嵌綠松石象牙杯
Ivory | Shang Dynasty (ca. 1600BC-1046BC) | H. 30.5cm, D. 10.5-11.3cm | Excavated from Fuhao Tomb, Ruins of Yin, Anyang, Henan | Chinese Archeological Museum collection. 象牙｜商（约公元前1600～公元前1046年）｜河南安阳殷墟妇好墓出土 ｜中国考古博物馆藏
↩︎ - 中国考古博物馆2023年9月对外开放，博物馆共有四层展厅，常设展分为5个专题，陈列超过6000件展品。https://art.icity.ly/museums/2f9k56b ↩︎
- Chariot in Shang Dynasty 殷商时期马车
Shang Dynasty (ca. 1600BC-1046BC) | Ruins of Yin, Anyang, Henan | Unearthed in 2004. 商（约公元前1600～公元前1046年）｜河南安阳殷墟遗址2004年出土｜中国历史研究院考古研究所发掘 ↩︎
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