On the trail of Majiayao

Guo Zhiwei, a researcher at the Institute of Archaeology, Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, leads the archaeological team at Siwa. He says they discovered a high-level, probably central settlement of Majiayao culture in the north of the site. Inside the settlement there is a triple-layered moat system, nearly 100 residential foundations, many crypts and pits where ancient people dumped garbage and several tombs, spanning the early and middle stages of Majiayao culture.

Archaeologists had long hoped to find the central settlement of Majiayao culture in nearby sites but failed. "Finally, our dream comes true, marking a significant step to further unveil the culture," Guo says.