Han recalls that archaeologists had surveyed the area several times since the 1990s without success. That changed in March when researchers stumbled upon painted pottery fragments near a newly dug grave. As they expanded their search, they found layers containing pottery from different periods, including pits dating to the Yangshao era.
The site now covers an area of approximately 129,000 square meters — roughly the size of 20 football fields.
"When the first painted shard was found, everyone almost jumped for joy," says Wang Shuang, one of the six field team members. Over the past months, the team repeatedly trekked across hills and valleys, studying the terrain and interviewing villagers for clues about possible artifacts.
The archaeological survey began in November 2024 as part of a special initiative to explore Yangquan's early cultures.
So far, the team has identified three ash pits and one kiln, along with a remarkably continuous cultural sequence spanning the Yangshao culture, Longshan culture, Xia Dynasty (c. 21st century-16th century BC), Shang Dynasty (c. 16th century-11th century BC), and Eastern Zhou Dynasty (770-256 BC).
In Yirang village, time appears layered in the earth: painted pottery from 5,000 years ago, black Longshan pottery from 4,000 years ago, and Shang and Zhou pottery from 3,000 years ago. Together, they reveal a settlement that appears to have remained inhabited for thousands of years without interruption.
Han says Yirang village has a long history, with multiple cultural relic sites still visible. In October 2024, the team had already excavated two Jin Dynasty (1115-1234) tombs there, and recovered 34 artifacts. The current survey, launched the following month, aims to systematically investigate the region's early cultural layers.
The recovered artifacts include pottery, stone tools and bone-and-shell objects. Painted pottery makes up a high proportion, with fine red grid-and-band patterns. Researchers have also identified vessel forms, such as bowls, jars and basins, alongside smaller objects including pottery rings and perforated shell knives.
By comparing these artifacts with discoveries from similar sites, archaeologists have preliminarily dated the settlement to the late Yangshao period.
"The discovery of remains here from the Yangshao culture, Longshan culture, Xia and Shang dynasties, and Eastern Zhou periods establishes a continuous cultural sequence from the Neolithic era onward," Han says.
"It provides valuable clues for understanding the evolution and development of prehistoric societies in the Taihang Mountains."
Zhu Xingxin in Shanxi province contributed to this story.
