Heilongjiang site reveals Jurchen Jin Dynasty capital city layout

The Jinshangjing capital site – the first capital city of the Jurchen Jin Dynasty (1153-1234) – stands well preserved in today's Acheng district, Harbin, Heilongjiang province.

Recent archaeological discoveries have shed new light on the city's layout and architectural features. Researchers have confirmed the site's date through archaeological stratigraphy and revealed the integrated structure of its northern and southern cities.

Findings also help understand how the imperial city's layout evolved, uncover the basic features of the city gates, and trace the road networks and building distribution within the southern city. Most of the unearthed relics are architectural components, along with a few daily utensils — small yet vivid glimpses into life almost a millennium ago.