Nanzhuangtou, Archaeological site in Xushui District, Hebei, China
Nanzhuangtou is an archaeological site in Xushui District, Hebei Province, preserving traces of prehistoric settlement. The excavated remains include outlines of dwellings, stone implements, and ceramic shards.
The location emerged about 12,600 years ago and ranks among the oldest evidence of settled communities in northern China. Later phases of use extend into the Neolithic period and show the shift from hunters and gatherers to farmers.
Discoveries at the location show traces of millet and plant remains that point toward settled life. These remains offer insight into how early communities gradually shifted their diet toward growing crops.
Visits are subject to strict rules to protect the delicate remains and require prior permission from the relevant authorities. Researchers use specially constructed pathways to avoid damage during their work.
Some ceramic fragments rank among the oldest in China and document advanced firing techniques long before their wider use. Other shards show unusual patterns that suggest early experiments with decoration.
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