Haimenkou Neolithic Site in Jianchuan County, Dali
The Haimenkou Neolithic Site (海门口遗址, Haimenkou Yizhi) is located in Jianchuan County (剑川县, Jianchuan), northwest of Dian Nan Town (甸南镇, Dian Nan Zhen) in Dali Bai Autonomous Prefecture (大理白族自治州, Dali Baizu Zizhizhou), Yunnan Province (云南省, Yunnan Sheng). This site is recognized as the largest “stilt-style” waterfront settlement site discovered in China, dating from the late Neolithic to the Bronze Age, marking it as one of the earliest Bronze Age sites on the Yunnan-Guizhou Plateau.
The total area of the site is approximately 238,000 square meters, with the eastern river area covering about 93,000 square meters and the western area about 145,000 square meters. Artifacts recovered include pottery, stone tools, bone tools, ivory, wood, bronze, iron, animal bones, and agricultural remains. Structures such as houses, wooden posts, beams, stone blocks, human bone pits, column holes, and graves have also been uncovered. The cultural layers are well-defined, showing a rich continuity that forms a solid foundation for understanding the prehistoric culture of the western Yunnan region.
On March 5, 2013, the State Council of the People’s Republic of China designated the Haimenkou site as a key cultural heritage site.
Historical Development
The site was first discovered in 1957 when the Jianchuan County government excavated and widened the Jian Lake (剑湖, Jian Hu) river outlet, revealing numerous ancient wooden piles and artifacts. In the same year, the Yunnan Provincial Museum conducted initial excavations.
Subsequent excavations occurred in:
- 1978: A second excavation by the Yunnan Provincial Museum aimed at understanding the site’s distribution and cultural significance.
- 2008: A third excavation, authorized by the State Administration of Cultural Heritage, involved the Yunnan Provincial Institute of Cultural Relics and Archaeology.
- 2016-2017: A fourth excavation was conducted in collaboration with Sichuan University.
- 2017: A fifth excavation took place, uncovering 27 graves, among other artifacts.
- 2018: A sixth excavation further expanded the understanding of the site.
Features of the Site
The three primary excavations from 1957, 1978, and 2008 revealed a site area of 50,000 square meters, with a dense distribution of wooden posts covering 20,000 square meters. The cultural stratigraphy consists of ten layers, allowing for the establishment of a chronological framework for the archaeological culture surrounding Jian Lake.
Fourth Excavation
During the fourth excavation, the cultural layers measured less than 2.5 meters in thickness. Artifacts included fire pits, house foundations, and graves. Notably, the findings suggest that the site contains remnants from the Nanzhao Kingdom period.
Fifth Excavation
The fifth excavation revealed 27 graves, 8 houses, and numerous other structures, with unique burial practices observed, such as the arrangement of skulls in specific patterns.
Sixth Excavation
This excavation confirmed the site’s total area of approximately 238,000 square meters, further dividing the cultural layers into modern and historical classifications. The results highlighted the site’s significance in understanding the Bronze Age and Neolithic cultural transitions.
Archaeological Finds
Over the various excavations, approximately 3,000 artifacts have been recovered, including pottery, stone tools, and various metal implements. Notably, the site has yielded evidence of early agriculture, including grains such as rice and barley, providing insight into agricultural practices since at least 1600 BCE.
Research Contributions
Recent studies have analyzed the metalwork from the site, revealing advanced techniques and alloy compositions indicative of a mature Bronze Age culture. Collaborations with academic institutions have resulted in significant publications highlighting the site’s role in the development of agriculture in Yunnan.
Cultural Significance
- The Haimenkou site is the largest discovered “stilt-style” settlement, offering a rare glimpse into prehistoric settlement types in China.
- Its well-preserved cultural layers span from the Neolithic to the Bronze Age, filling gaps in the prehistoric cultural timeline of southwest China.
- The diversity of artifacts reflects the complexity of prehistoric cultures, contributing to broader studies of cultural exchanges in the region.
How to Get There
To reach the Haimenkou Neolithic Site:
- By Air: Fly into Dali Airport (大理机场, Dali Jichang), then take a taxi or public transport to Jianchuan County.
- By Bus: Regular buses operate from Dali to Jianchuan; the site is a short taxi ride from the bus station.
Travel Tips
- Best Time to Visit: Spring (March to May) and Autumn (September to November) for pleasant weather.
- Local Guides: Consider hiring a local guide for a more in-depth understanding of the site and its history.
- Facilities: Bring water and snacks, as facilities near the site may be limited.
