Experts trace Chinese Cultural Origins in Ancient Yangzhou and Beyond

Researchers go to Jingbian county, Shanxi province, from June 16 to 19 to discover and study material remains in the ruins of ancient Yangzhou city. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

Launched by the Traditional Chinese Culture Research Center at Renmin University, a group of experts in archaeology, history and cultural promotion went to Jingbian county in Northwest China's Shanxi province from June 16 to 19 to discover and study material remains in the ruins of ancient Yangzhou city, with a history that may date back over 2,300 years.

According to Ji Yingming, deputy secretary-general of the center, over 700 Neolithic sites are scattered across the area in and around Jingbian county. That's why he initiated the trip and held a symposium in an effort to trace the origins of Chinese civilization.

Researchers go to Jingbian county, Shanxi province, from June 16 to 19 to discover and study material remains in the ruins of ancient Yangzhou city. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

To bring historical sites closer to the public and spark widespread interest in delving into the long course of Chinese history, Ji livestreamed his journey to Jingbian county via online platforms such as Yizhibo. He also plans to livestream visits to other important sites, including the Liangzhu Neolithic ruins in Zhejiang province, the Dadiwan historical site of Qin'an in Gansu province, and the Banpo Neolithic relic site in Shaanxi province.

"As one of the descendants of the Yellow emperor, I feel a strong sense of responsibility to untangle the complex information about how the country and the people evolved through the long course of history," says Ji, who has traveled around China twice to study folklore and material remains of ancient times.