Sanxingdui

Sanxingdui is an archaeological site in the city of Guanghan in Sichuan Province, China, located along the banks of the Yazi River. The complex includes an ancient city area and several zones where thousands of bronze, gold, and jade artifacts have been uncovered.

The first finds came to light in 1929 when farmers digging a drainage ditch came across jade objects. Larger excavations began later in the 20th century and revealed a civilization that flourished between the third and second millennium BCE.

The excavated pieces show an early culture with elaborate bronze figures and golden face masks created roughly 3000 to 4000 years ago. Many of the objects were found in ritual pits, pointing to ceremonial practices and offerings performed at that time.

The museum on site displays the main finds in climate-controlled rooms spread across several floors. Visitors can explore the grounds on their own or join guided tours that provide additional information about the discoveries.

Some bronze figures show body shapes and facial features not found in other regions of China, with oversized eyes and slender proportions. These characteristics have led to speculation about possible connections to other ancient cultures beyond the Chinese heartland.