During the 2024 Tianfu Book Fair held from October 11 to 14 in Chengdu, renowned archaeologist Wang Wei, a member of the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, took center stage to discuss his latest work, “Tracing the Origins of Chinese Civilization,” and address some of the most pressing questions regarding the Sanxingdui site.

Wang Wei shared insights into the development of the Sanxingdui civilization, revealing that human activity in the area dates back approximately 4,300 years. However, he emphasized that the peak of its bronze civilization emerged around 3,400 to 3,200 years ago, coinciding with the Xia and Shang dynasties in central China. He made it clear that Sanxingdui’s bronze culture was not an isolated phenomenon but rather closely connected to central plains civilization. For instance, jade artifacts such as jade axes, knives, and ceremonial pieces found at Sanxingdui first appeared in the late Xia dynasty in central China before spreading to the region. Additionally, he noted that the bronze-making techniques employed at Sanxingdui were derived from the early Shang dynasty and reached new heights thanks to local artisans’ innovations. In response to inquiries about the presence of unique lead in Sanxingdui copper artifacts, Wang explained that this specific type of lead had already been discovered at the Yin ruins, indicating that it is not exclusive to Sanxingdui.

Wang Wei acknowledged the allure of the Sanxingdui site, which has sparked numerous speculations about its origins and characteristics. However, as a deeply engaged archaeologist in the excavation and research of Sanxingdui, he believes that many of these theories lack scientific support and require objective analysis from an archaeological perspective.

At the event, Wang Wei also introduced “Tracing the Origins of Chinese Civilization.” The book features a distinguished lineup of authors, including Liu Qingzhu, former director of the Institute of Archaeology at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, Zhao Hui, chief expert of the “Chinese Civilization Exploration Project” and professor at Peking University’s School of Archaeology and Museology, and Han Jianye, a professor at Renmin University’s History Department and a distinguished scholar under the Ministry of Education’s “Changjiang Scholars Program.” All four authors are actively involved in the “Chinese Civilization Exploration Project” and have taken on key roles in its initiatives.

Published by Beijing United Publishing Company and distributed by Beijing Huajing Times Cultural Media Co., Ltd., “Tracing the Origins of Chinese Civilization” distinctly utilizes archaeology to explore the roots of Chinese civilization. The book systematically details the historical trajectory of Chinese civilization’s origins, formation, and development, providing evidence for the uninterrupted continuity of over 5,000 years of Chinese culture. It also elaborates on the overarching characteristics of Chinese civilization, which are marked by “diversity and unity, inclusiveness, and continuity.” Furthermore, the work assesses the research of global scholars on world and Chinese civilizations, engaging in in-depth comparative studies to offer a broader temporal and spatial interpretation of Chinese heritage.