Hebosuo site in Yunnan reveals evolution of early Chinese statecraft

Located in the Jinning district of Kunming, Yunnan, the Hebosuo archaeological site, spanning the Shang and Zhou dynasties (c.16th century-11th century BC) to the Han (206 BC-AD 220) and Jin (265-420) periods, is the largest site of its kind ever found on the Yunnan Plateau and is relatively rich in culture.

Archaeological excavation in 2024 revealed remains of city walls and moats, huge wooden structures, tile ends inscribed with "Yizhou", seal impressions and bamboo slips. These incredible finds help pinpoint the location of the Han Dynasty Yizhou commandery and shed light on how the Qin (221-206 BC) and Han empires governed their southwestern frontier. It's a treasure trove for understanding the ancient Dian Kingdom and the evolution of early Chinese statecraft.