List honoring China's top 10 archaeological discoveries of 2025 released

6. Zhengzhou Shang Dynasty (c. 16th century-11th century BC) city site in Zhengzhou, Henan province

The Zhengzhou Shang city site — the largest and highest grade known early Shang capital — has revealed key urban features dating to the early Shang period. New discoveries include large state owned storage foundations, an interconnected urban water network, and evidence of bronze casting and bone working industries within the inner city, transforming previous understandings of its layout. High status sacrificial remains and elite burials were also found. These findings provide critical evidence for studying early Shang society — including resource allocation, urban planning, craft production, and ritual systems — greatly advancing the understanding of early dynastic civilization in China.