China
2025.09.14 17:22 GMT+8

Jinsha Site: A glimpse into China's ancient Shu civilization

Updated 2025.09.14 17:22 GMT+8
CGTN

Artifacts on display at the Jinsha Site Museum in Chengdu, Sichuan Province. /CGTN

The Gold Crown Belt with four groups of patterns chiseled on the surface – each featuring a human head, an arrow, a bird and a fish – can be seen on display at the Jinsha Site Museum in Chengdu, Sichuan Province. /CGTN

The Ten-sectioned Jade Cong, a jade tube with a quadrilateral exterior and a circular interior, can be seen on display at the Jinsha Site Museum in Chengdu, Sichuan Province. Although unearthed from Jinsha, this jade cong closely resembles late-period jade congs from the Liangzhu culture in Zhejiang Province, suggesting early exchanges between the two regions. /CGTN

A stone tiger can be seen on display at the Jinsha Site Museum in Chengdu, Sichuan Province. /CGTN

As one of the major archaeological discoveries of the 21st century in China, the Jinsha Site in Chengdu, Sichuan Province showcases a civilization dating back about 3,200-2,600 years. It shares a cultural lineage with the Sanxingdui civilization, both being integral parts of the ancient Shu Kingdom. The site was discovered in 2001, and a museum was established on site in 2007.

The Sun and Immortal Birds Gold Ornament can be seen on display at the Jinsha Site Museum in Chengdu, Sichuan Province. /CGTN

The Sun and Immortal Birds Gold Ornament is the most iconic artifact of Jinsha. The center of this circular ornament is hollowed out into a vortex with twelve serrated rays, surrounded by four carved birds flying counterclockwise, symbolizing the Sun and Immortal Birds in ancient Chinese mythology. The pattern of the gold ornament has been designated as the emblem of China's cultural heritage and also serves as the primary element of Chengdu's city logo.

The Gold Mask can be seen on display at the Jinsha Site Museum in Chengdu, Sichuan Province. /CGTN

Similar cultural relics to those unearthed at Sanxingdui can also be found in the Jinsha Site Museum. The Gold Mask on display there is the largest and best-preserved from its period ever discovered in China, while the Bronze Standing Figure bears a strong resemblance to the large bronze standing figure excavated at Sanxingdui.

The Bronze Standing Figure can be seen on display at the Jinsha Site Museum in Chengdu, Sichuan Province. /CGTN

Visitors can also explore the excavation site of Jinsha at the museum's Relic Hall, immersing themselves in the riverside sacrificial ceremonies of the ancient Shu Kingdom 3,000 years ago and learning about the meticulous archaeological excavations carried out since 2001.

A pit at the excavation site at the Jinsha Site Museum in Chengdu, Sichuan Province, where an elephant tusk, thousands of wild boar tusks and deer horns, as well as pieces of stone, jade, bronze, and pottery artifacts were discovered. /CGTN

The remains of a 3,000-year-old large tree root can be seen at the Jinsha Site Museum in Chengdu, Sichuan Province. /CGTN

The Jinsha Site, together with the Sanxingdui Site and the Joint Tombs of Boat-shaped Coffins, is listed on the UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Tentative List.

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