In the early 1980s, a major event that took place in Pinggu shocked the circle of archaeology at home and abroad. That is the discovery of the Shangzhai Ruins.

More than 1000 items of earthenware and over 2000 items of stoneware were excavated. The discovery of millstone plates, clubs and double-blade axes indicated the existence of prehistoric tribal clans with fixed residences. The discovery of artifacts like earthenware of hollow spheres, replicas of seahorses, heads of goats, bears and pig heads, as well as stoneware of goats, miniature tortoises and monkeys show the increasingly sophisticated division of labor in the society. Some fields have already produced specialists.

The lifelike earthenware pig's head has a thin long shape, ears facing back, mouth sticking forward and a pair of fangs engraved at the sides. The head of the miniature monkey is detailed with eyes, eyelashes, ears, a nose and a mouth sculpted.

Unlike the head, the torso of the monkey adopted an abstract style with bold generalizations to form a cicada shape. The rare specimens with the shape of a bird's head - earthenware support, earthenware pillars and hollowed-out instruments showed that several thousand years ago, our Pinggu ancestors already had "totem worship" activities.            

Further Information:

Address: Inside Jinhaihu Tourist District, Beijing City
Bus Route: Take Bus 918-branch at Dongzhimen to Jinhai Lake

Opening Hours: 8:00-17:00 in the summer; 8:30-16:30 in the winter

Recreation activities: In late April, there will be a major International Peach Blossom Fireworks Festival. From May to November, there will be harvesting activities for peaches, dates and other fruits.

Scenic spots in vicinity: Jinhaihu Tourist District, Jingdong Daxia Valley Tourist District, Laoxiang Peak Tourist District, Feilong Valley Tourist District, Jingdong Shilinxia Tourist District, Yahuan Mountain Tourist District.

Admission Fee:  5 Yuan, 3 Yuan  (Student)

Tel: 8610-69991268

(China.org.cn August 25, 2005)