Daju Middle School in Yulong County, Lijiang
School Profile
Dayu Middle School in Yulong County (玉龙县大具中学) stands in Dayu Township (大具乡), Yulong Naxi Autonomous County (玉龙纳西族自治县), Lijiang City (丽江市), Yunnan Province (云南省). With Jade Dragon Snow Mountain (玉龙雪山) to the north and the rushing Jinsha River (金沙江) nearby, the school enjoys magnificent natural scenery and is surrounded by rich cultural landscapes. It plays a vital role in the local education system, undertaking the important mission of educating middle school students from Dayu Township (大具乡) and surrounding areas.
Significant Archaeological Discovery on Campus
In 2020, during the reconstruction of the school’s sports field, an unexpected yet exciting discovery was made. Construction workers unearthed an extensive ancient cemetery beneath the football field, covering an area of 3,000 square meters and almost the entire football field area. After swift intervention by archaeological experts, who conducted preliminary surveys and appraisals, the cemetery was identified as dating back to the Spring and Autumn and Warring States periods. This find has unlocked a new door for studying the ancient civilization in the Jinsha River Valley (金沙江河谷地区), significantly filling the gap in archaeological records from that era in the region. It has provided invaluable physical evidence for local historical research and highlighted the profound historical and cultural heritage of Dayu Township (大具乡).
Rich Archaeological Findings
As the archaeological excavation progressed, the internal structure of the cemetery became clearer. Experts discovered a multi-layered burial structure with a large number of human skeletons, which have become crucial for studying the physical characteristics and living conditions of ancient people. Numerous burial objects were also unearthed, including variously shaped pottery that reflects the pottery-making skills of the time; finely polished stone tools that bear witness to the ancients’ wisdom in production; and beads and bracelets that showcase their aesthetic tastes and social and cultural characteristics. Moreover, the architectural features of the cemetery are astonishing. The ingenious structure, with multiple layers stacked without collapsing, fully demonstrates that the ancients had already mastered a considerable level of building technology and mechanical knowledge.
Current Status of the School
The original sports field of Dayu Middle School (大具中学) has become an archaeological site, with campus construction centered on the excavation. The entire school community actively supports the archaeological efforts. The school has integrated archaeological knowledge into its culture and teaching, organizing lectures and interest groups to broaden students’ knowledge and cultivate their interest in history and culture. Dayu Middle School (大具中学) remains committed to promoting balanced compulsory education and fostering educational equity. It strengthens its faculty through training and seminars, carries out educational research, and encourages innovation in teaching methods and curriculum reform. The school also focuses on the development of party, youth league, Young Pioneers, and trade union organizations to create a positive and united campus atmosphere. With its unique archaeological discovery and dedication to education, Dayu Middle School (大具中学) serves as both a cradle for nurturing talents and an important base for studying ancient civilizations, standing out in Lijiang’s education and culture fields.
