The latest discovery of the ruins of an ancient reservoir, which dates back to the Yangshao Culture some 5,600-6,800 years ago, indicates that primitive Chinese clans mastered advanced techniques for controlling water resources.

The water conservation cistern, unearthed at the Xipo site of Lingbao City in Central China's Henan Province, measures 30 meters long by 10 meters wide.

The bank on the south part of the cistern works together with a number of pits in the bottom to store and drain rainwater for people's daily needs, according to archaeologists in charge of the excavation project.

Some other cultural relics were also unearthed in an area of 500 square meters at the Xipo site.

It is believed the site, covering 300 square kilometers, was a political and cultural center during the reign of Emperor Huangdi (the Yellow Emperor), the legendary founder of the Chinese nation, more than 5,000 years ago.

(Xinhua 03/02/2001)