Inner Mongolia to welcome two archaeological site parks

(chinadaily.com.cn)

Updated: 2014-02-18

The State Administration of Cultural Heritage approved, on Feb 17, the establishment of two historical site projects in North China’s Inner Mongolia autonomous region – the site of the Upper Capital of the Liao Dynasty (907-1125) and Salawusu site, as the second batch of National Archaeological Site Parks.

The Upper Capital of the Liao Dynasty, located in what is now Bairin Left Banner of Chifeng city has an area of 5 square kilometers, and was the first capital of the Liao Dynasty built by Qidan, also known as the Khitan people. From Liao’s foundation to its demise, the capital was the political, economic, cultural and religious center of this dynasty.

For its historical importance, the site was recognized as one of the first batch of Major Historical and Cultural Sites Protected at National Level, as early as 1961, and was listed in the National 100 Major Protected Historical Sites during the 11th Five-Year plan. In the past year, it was selected as one of the Top 10 Archaeological Discoveries in 2012.

The history of the Salawusu site can be dated as far back as the Paleolithic Age. The fossils deriving from so-called “Ordos Man” were discovered at the site, which is located in what is now Uxin Banner of Ordos city in the autonomous region. In addition, many fragments of mammal fossils, including Palaeoloxodon namadicus, Crocuta Ultima and Cervas elephus were found there.

The Salawusu site was recognized by archaeologists for its value in the study of the evolution of human beings and Chinese culture in the Paleolithic Age.

The site of the Upper Capital of the Liao Dynasty.

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