Yushuiping Neolithic Cultural Site in Lanping County, Nujiang

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Introduction

The Yushuiping Neolithic Cultural Site ( 兰坪县玉水坪新石器文化遗址) is located in Yushuiping Village (玉水坪村, Yùshuǐpíng Cūn), Tongdian Town (通甸镇, Tōngdiàn Zhèn), Lanping County (兰坪白族普米族自治县, Lánpíng Bái zú Pǔmǐ Zìzhìxiàn), Nujiang Lisu Autonomous Prefecture (怒江傈僳族自治州, Nùjiāng Lìsù Zìzhìzhōu), Yunnan Province (云南省, Yúnnán Shěng), China. This archaeological site dates from the Paleolithic to the Neolithic period.

Geographic and Historical Context

The Yushuiping site features Longxue Rock (龙穴岩, Lóngxué Yán), which is oriented north-south, with small hills to the east and north, while the Tongdian River (通甸河, Tōngdiàn Hé) lies to the south and west. A road from Tongdian Town to Hexi Township passes beneath Longxue Rock. The site contains five large caves, known in local folklore as “Dragon Caves” (龙穴, Lóngxué), all of which are limestone caves formed through the dissolution of calcium carbonate.

The upper layers of the site date to the late Neolithic period, while the lower layers date back to the late Paleolithic period, approximately 30,000 to 15,000 years ago. Artifacts found at Yushuiping include pottery shards decorated with net patterns and curves, as well as stone tools such as axes and chisels. Notably, perforated bone needles and tooth artifacts were also discovered, suggesting that early inhabitants engaged in aesthetic activities.

The discovery of Yushuiping has pushed back the history of human activity in Nujiang by at least 10,000 years. It is not only the only Paleolithic site in the region but also one of the most important Neolithic sites in Yunnan for studying the relationship between local and northern Chinese stone tool industries, as well as connections with neighboring Paleolithic cultures.

Historical Development

• 1976: Villagers from Yushuiping excavated the cave while blasting rock to reinforce the riverbank, exposing the site and revealing numerous animal bones.
• 1984: A survey team from Lanping County collected several artifacts, including stone axes and bone needles.
• 2001: Under the guidance of archaeologists, additional Paleolithic artifacts were discovered.
• 2005: The Yunnan Provincial Archaeological Research Institute officially excavated the site, uncovering over 1,000 stone tools and more than 5,000 bone artifacts.

Site Characteristics

Yushuiping is located about 4 kilometers northwest of Tongdian Town, with the nearest road (Weilan Highway) just 10 meters away. The upper layers of the site contain Neolithic artifacts, while the lower layers reveal evidence of Paleolithic life. The site has shown that its ancient inhabitants engaged in hunting, fire use, and rudimentary clothing-making, indicating an early sense of aesthetics.

Artifacts and Findings

• Pottery: Decorated pottery shards with varied thickness and low firing quality; recognizable items include jars.
• Stone Tools: A total of 1,000 stone artifacts, including cores, flakes, and various tools such as scrapers and chisels, primarily made using hammer techniques.
• Bone Artifacts: Over 5,000 bone artifacts, predominantly bone needles and tools, which showcase refined craftsmanship.

Fauna

The mammal fossils found at Yushuiping represent various species common in the southern China region, including species from the late Pleistocene, such as wild rabbits, black bears, and deer.

Research Significance

The discovery of Yushuiping Neolithic Cultural Site has greatly contributed to understanding the history of human activity in Nujiang. It stands as a vital archaeological site for studying the interactions between different stone tool industries across regions.

Protection Measures

On March 5, 2013, the Yushuiping site was designated a key cultural relic protection unit by the State Council of the People’s Republic of China.

Travel Information

How to Get There

Yushuiping Neolithic Cultural Site is accessible via local transportation from Lanping County. Visitors can take a bus or hire a vehicle to Tongdian Town and then proceed to Yushuiping Village.

Travel Tips

• Best Time to Visit: Spring and autumn are ideal for pleasant weather and clearer visibility.
• Respect the Site: As a protected archaeological site, visitors should refrain from touching artifacts and maintain a respectful demeanor.
• Guided Tours: Consider joining guided tours for deeper insights into the history and significance of the site.
• Bring Supplies: Ensure to carry water and snacks, as amenities may be limited in the area.

Summary of Key Attractions

• Yushuiping Neolithic Cultural Site (玉水坪遗址, Yùshuǐpíng Yízhǐ)
• Longxue Rock (龙穴岩, Lóngxué Yán)
• Tongdian River (通甸河, Tōngdiàn Hé)