Largest Jade Dragon Unearthed at Hongshan Culture Mound

The largest jade dragon ever discovered has been unearthed from a Hongshan Culture stone mound in Aohan Banner, Chifeng City, Inner Mongolia, China. Measuring 15.8 cm (6.2 inches) in length, 9.5 cm (3.7 inches) in width, and 3 cm (1.2 inches) in thickness, this stunning artifact is one of over 100 jade items recently recovered from the site, marking a momentous occasion in the study of this Neolithic civilization.

This find was announced during the 70th anniversary symposium of the naming of Hongshan Culture, reports China Daily, shedding new light on the rich jade tradition of this ancient culture, which thrived between 6500 and 5000 years ago in northern China.

This “Southern Circle, Northern Altar, and Northern Tomb” at Yuanbaoshan Hongshan Culture Stone Mound. (China Daily)

Unveiling a Neolithic Treasure Trove

The discovery was made during a large-scale excavation at the Yuanbaoshan Hongshan Culture Stone Mound in Aohan Banner, the largest known burial mound from the late Hongshan Culture period.

Archaeologists uncovered an array of jade artifacts, including ritual and ceremonial objects, which provide critical insights into the culture’s complex belief systems and connections to other Neolithic civilizations in China.

The jade dragon is remarkable in size and craftsmanship, representing the peak of Hongshan jade artistry. The Hongshan Culture, known for its jade objects, including dragons and other ritual items, holds an essential place in the early history of Chinese civilization.

Left; The jade dragon next to an anonymous hand. Right; Funerary jade. (China Daily)

In addition to the jade dragon, the excavation revealed jade crown ornaments similar to those found at the Lingjiatan Culture site in Anhui Province, filling a gap in the understanding of the connections between different regional cultures. The jade artifacts, including ceremonial tools and ornaments, are thought to have been part of elaborate burial practices, highlighting the spiritual importance of jade to the Hongshan people.

Selection of many jade artifacts found at the mound. (China Daily)

Stone Mound: A Tomb and Sacrificial Altar

The Yuanbaoshan Stone Mound site consists of a combined tomb and sacrificial altar, characterized by a “Southern Circle, Northern Altar, and Northern Tomb” layout. This architectural design reflects the culture’s advanced ritual practices.

Archaeologists have identified multiple stone structures and even semi-underground houses at the site, suggesting that the Hongshan people constructed elaborate tombs for high-status individuals and used altars for religious ceremonies.

The site offers remarkable evidence of cultural exchange between the Hongshan Culture and other contemporary Neolithic cultures, such as the Yangshao and Liangzhu Cultures. The jade artifacts discovered show stylistic similarities to those from these cultures, underscoring the interconnectedness of early Chinese civilizations.

Rediscovering a Forgotten Legacy

Although the site was not registered during earlier national cultural relics surveys, it was confirmed in 2015 as a stone mound of the Hongshan Culture, thanks to investigations led by the Hongshan Culture Research Institute of Chifeng University and the Xinzhou Museum of Aohan Banner. It wasn’t until 2024, however, that a full-scale rescue excavation was initiated by the Cultural Heritage Bureau of Inner Mongolia.

As the largest jade dragon ever discovered, this extraordinary artifact symbolizes the sophistication and spiritual depth of Hongshan Culture, marking it as one of the most important archaeological finds in recent Chinese history.

Top image: The northern round tomb of Yuanbaoshan Stone Mound Site in Aohan Banner.        Source: China Daily

By Gary Manners