����Culture ruins dating back to 4,500 years in the latter period of the Neolithic Age have been discovered in central China's Hubei Province.

����Preliminary study of the unearthed artifacts shows that the ruins are a major component of Shijiahe Culture Ruin of the same period.

����The area of the ruins, located at Yujiacheng Village of Jingshan County, is 350 meters long and 320 meters wide. Most parts of the ruins are in good condition.

����The excavated artifacts include an elegant stone pestle and pottery such as pots, jars, basins and cups.

����Archaeologists regard the discovery of the ruins as another important archeological finding in the county, following the excavation of the Qujialing Culture Ruins dating back to 5,000 years.

����The discovery is of great significance to the study of the development of ancient agriculture and craftsmanship.

(Xinhua 12/20/2000)