Chifeng, a prefecture-level city in southeastern inner Mongolia, has the quiet distinction of being one of China’s earlier human settlements. Archaeological records show that human occupation of the Chifeng area can be traced back at least 10,000 years, and Neolithic cultural history can be traced back nearly 8,000 years [1]. While the term “Neolithic” may bring to mind the crudeness of the late Stone Age, one only have to look at the jade relics discovered in the Hongshan district in Chifeng to be awed by highly refined depictions of the dragon, a symbol of utmost importance in Chinese art. The name Hongshan translates as the Red Mountains, and its mysterious culture is considered one of the earliest and most advanced ancient civilizations discovered to date. Apart from exquisite jade sculptures, archeological records have revealed a concentration of funeral offerings and unique ritual centers, with patterns of religious worship that significantly influenced later Chinese traditions.

Jade Relics

Notes:

The Neolithic period is the final division of the Stone Age and began about 12,000 years ago when the first developments of farming appeared in the Middle East and later in other parts of the world. The period ended around 1900 BC. The Hongshan culture centred in Chifeng dates to the late Neolithic period, between 4700 BC and 2900 BC.