From December 19 to 21, the “2024 Henan Archaeological Achievements Exchange Conference” was held in Anyang. The event was guided by the Henan Provincial Administration of Cultural Heritage, organized by the Henan Archaeological Society, and hosted by the Henan Provincial Institute of Cultural Heritage and Archaeology and the Anyang Institute of Cultural Heritage and Archaeology. Archaeologists from provincial institutions, universities, and the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences reported on new archaeological findings, cultural relic preservation, and research achievements across 45 projects.

In 2024, Henan’s archaeological efforts were commendable, encompassing 15 proactive archaeological survey and exploration projects, 33 proactive excavation projects, 1,100 archaeological surveys related to construction projects, and 175 excavation projects. The Yongcheng Wangzhuang Site and the Zhengzhou Shangdu Shuyuan Street Cemetery Site were selected among the “Top 10 National Archaeological Discoveries of 2023.” Meanwhile, results from projects such as the Kaifeng Northern Song Dynasty Jinglong Gate Site and the Fangcheng Baliao Bridge Site were showcased on the National Cultural Heritage Administration’s “Archaeology China” platform.

In 2024, these archaeological excavations unearthed a wide array of artifacts spanning different eras, materials, and styles, further validating the rich and magnificent legacy of Central Plains civilization.

(Reporters: Zhang Tiyi and Du Jun; Photos provided by the Henan Provincial Institute of Cultural Heritage and Archaeology)

1. Lushan Xianrendong Site

• Stone tools unearthed.

2. Anyang Nanwu Site

• A red pottery bowl was discovered.

3. Lingbao Beiyangping Site

• Painted pottery basin unearthed.

4. Gongyi Shuanghuai Tree Site

• Bone tools found.

5. Xingyang Nancheng Site

• Pottery tripod from Erlitou Culture discovered.

Source: Henan Provincial Government Portal (www.henan.gov.cn)