Yanghai Cemetery, Archaeological burial ground in Shanshan County, China
Yanghai Cemetery is an ancient burial ground with over 300 graves where wooden coffins were wrapped in ox-hide. The graves contain well-preserved mummies and various items from the daily life of those times.
The site emerged during the Subeixi culture and shows how people established farming and permanent settlements in the Xinjiang region. The graves span roughly 1300 years of continuous use.
The burial site shows how people in an oasis region grew crops like millet, barley, and wheat as part of daily life. Grape cultivation was also important to these communities.
The site is located in Shanshan County and is best visited with a guided tour from local organizations. Many artifacts are housed in regional museums rather than at the location itself.
Plant studies at the site identified over 20 species, including rare medicinal herbs and specific woods used for tools. These findings show what resources the ancient inhabitants could access for their daily needs.
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