From hunters to early farmers

Continuous roots

A pottery figurine featuring a human face, fangs and a unique "jie-shaped" crown is among the site's most significant discoveries, according to Li.

Gu Wanfa, executive president of the Henan Provincial Institute of Cultural Heritage and Archaeology, says: "The fangs symbolize bravery and strength, reflecting ancient people's admiration for wild animals. The distinctive crown is related to prehistoric astronomical beliefs.

"This view of the universe embodies the ancient philosophy of harmony between humanity and nature, a worldview that shaped China's traditional culture of unity and solidarity," Gu adds.

"Peiligang is an important direct cultural predecessor of the Central Plains' Yangshao culture. Its farming system, baked-earth architecture, settlement planning, burial customs, winemaking traditions, and pottery styles were inherited and further developed by later civilizations," Li says.

Wang, the curator, says, "The complete relics and ruins vividly present early people's production methods, daily customs, spiritual beliefs, and social structures."

Archaeologists have already drawn up detailed plans for future research. A modern greenhouse now covers the excavation area, allowing year-round work regardless of weather conditions. Excavation teams also follow strict procedures, including fine soil screening in key areas.

"No Paleolithic human bones have been found to date, but the continuous cultural layers indicate long-term human occupation," Li says. "Perhaps human bones will be discovered one day. Archaeology is not merely about studying the past; it also cares for the present and connects us with the future."

Ongoing discoveries at Peiligang continue to demonstrate that Chinese civilization possesses deep, continuous roots stretching back thousands of years.

"Growing public interest — especially among young people — is encouraging more people to learn about cultural origins, protect heritage sites, and share archaeological stories. This helps strengthen cultural inheritance and enrich our shared spiritual legacy," Li adds.

"Major finds like those at Peiligang help more people realize that our civilization is ancient, deeply rooted, and continuous. That is archaeology's greatest value today."