Chengtoushan, Archaeological site in Li County, China.
Chengtoushan is an archaeological site in Li County showcasing an ancient settlement with a circular layout enclosed by rammed earth walls and a surrounding moat. The location sits near the northwestern edge of Dongting Lake and contains foundations of early structures.
The settlement originated during the Daxi culture and evolved through subsequent periods including the Qujialing and Shijiahe cultures. It remained continuously occupied from roughly 4500 to 3000 BC.
The name refers to the rammed earth ramparts that resemble city gates surrounding the ancient settlement. Visitors can observe the layout of former residential areas and how these defensive structures were positioned.
Visitors should understand that this is a buried site displaying mostly exposed foundations and structural outlines requiring careful observation. The best time to explore is during drier months when pathways are more stable and visibility is clearer.
The site holds the world's oldest known rice paddies, revealing early grain production techniques. What stands out is the use of fired bricks made from red clay around 4400 BC, a method much older than previously thought.
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