After nearly two years of construction, the Pingliangtai National Archaeological Site Museum in Huaiyang district of Zhoukou city, Central China's Henan province, has commenced trial operation recently. Pingliangtai, hailed as the "Dawn of Urban Civilization in China", belongs to the late Longshan Culture. The museum's main building sits directly on the archaeological site, showcasing the 4,000-year history and culture of Pingliangtai.
According to Deng Yunhong, director of the Pingliangtai Protection Center and the Pingliangtai National Archaeological Site Museum, "The construction of the Pingliangtai National Archaeological Site Park was approved in 2022, with an area of 2,400 mu (1.6 million square meters) and an investment of 1.6 billion yuan. The project consists of 3 phases. Phase I, covering the museum, square, parking lot and exhibition, has been completed. We present not just artifacts, but the story of the earliest forms of statehood in Chinese civilization."
With an investment of more than 90 million yuan, the Pingliangtai National Archaeological Site Museum covers 17,606 square meters. Its design blends modern and traditional elements, aiming to create harmony with the surrounding landscape. During the trial operation, cultural relics such as pottery, jade artifacts, and bronze wares will be on display. In addition, the museum will present Pingliangtai's layout, daily life, and the development of handicrafts through modern exhibition methods, including sand-table models, multimedia presentations, and scene reconstructions.
The Pingliangtai site, one of the earliest known city sites in China, features a clear central axis, high-platform buildings, and a well-preserved urban drainage system, providing important evidence for the study of ancient Chinese urban planning. The trial operation aims to optimize visitor flow and test service facilities, laying the groundwork for full opening in the future. (Chinese source: dahe.cn Reporter: Mo Shaohua Translator: Zhao Hanqing Proofreader: Li Wenjing)
