Massive 3,000-Year-Old City Unearthed in China Using Breakthrough Archaeology Tech
In a groundbreaking discovery, a team of archaeologists has unearthed the largest city site from the Shang-Zhou transition period in China's Shaanxi province, sparking widespread excitement and pride among the Chinese public. The ancient city, measuring 1.75 million square meters, was discovered using remote sensing technology, marking a significant breakthrough in settlement archaeology in China.
23 July 2025
Located in Zhouyuan, Baoji, Shaanxi, the city site was built at the turn of the Shang and Zhou dynasties, over 3,000 years ago. The discovery is not only remarkable for its sheer size but also for the immense historical value it holds. Archaeologists have uncovered 295 oracle bone inscriptions related to astronomy, calendrical systems, history, and geography, offering a unique window into ancient Chinese civilization.
The use of remote sensing technology has been hailed as a game-changer in archaeological research. Experts in the field had long advocated for the use of advanced remote sensing equipment in archaeology, and their efforts have finally paid off. The technology allowed researchers to identify the outlines of ancient city walls, approximately 1500 meters long from east to west and 1065 meters wide from north to south.
The discovery has generated significant discussion on Weibo, with many users expressing pride and excitement about China's rich history and the advancements in archaeological methods. Some have highlighted the role of technology in enabling such discoveries, noting that it has assisted in uncovering cultural heritage sites. Others have connected the discovery to broader themes of national development and unity, drawing parallels between the "listening to motherland" and early progress.
Several key entities and individuals have been involved in the discovery, including the Shaanxi Provincial Cultural Heritage Bureau, which oversees cultural heritage work in Shaanxi Province. The project team members, including Cao Jinsong, Xu Pei, Tan Jian, and Tang Kui, have been instrumental in the discovery, although their specific roles in the satellite discovery of the Shang and Zhou city site are not detailed.
As news of the discovery spread, it has been widely reported by CCTV News and on Weibo, using the hashtag #遥感卫星发现商周之际最大城址#. While some users have noted a correction regarding another site, the Qingjian Zhaigou Shang Dynasty city site, whose total area is actually 3 million square meters, the focus remains on the Zhouyuan site.
The discovery of the largest Shang and Zhou period city site is a testament to the power of technology in uncovering the secrets of ancient civilizations. As researchers continue to study the site and its artifacts, it is likely to shed new light on this pivotal period in Chinese history, sparking continued fascination with China's ancient past.
