Shahbaz Khan, director and representative of the UNESCO Regional Office for East Asia
Dating back 5,000 to 6,500 years, Hongshan culture represents a foundational chapter in human development. Vividly preserved at sites like the Niuheliang National Archaeological Site Park, its ritual architecture and extraordinary jade craftsmanship reveal humanity's early spiritual and social evolution. For UNESCO, protecting these roots is about safeguarding the unique human genius that grounds our collective identity.
Lao Yanwu, secretary of the CPC Chaoyang Committee
The Niuheliang site is a landmark representing the first stage of ancient Chinese civilization. In recent years, we have strengthened heritage conservation through a series of key initiatives, including upgraded exhibitions at the Niuheliang Site Museum and a high-standard conservation plan. Hongshan culture connects the past with the present, while dialogue among civilizations builds a shared future. Preserving this remarkable legacy and enabling Niuheliang to shine in the new era remains Chaoyang city's enduring cultural mission.