Extensive excavation has unveiled a prehistoric site called the "Qunan Neolithic Cultural Relics" in central Zhejiang Province, east China.

The site was first discovered in 1980, when local farmers accidentally dug up several ancient artifacts.

During a small-scale excavation last year, archaeologists found a 40-cm cumulative layer dating back to the Neolithic period with some 30 pieces of pottery, as well as 11 tombs.

Based upon this discovery, archaeologists decided that civilization appeared there as far back as some 4,000 to 6,000 years ago, considering the site one of the origins of Chinese civilization.

Zhejiang is well known for the discovery of several prehistoric sites, including the Hemudu and Liangzhu relics sites.

Jiang Leping, who is responsible for the excavation, said that the site not only spreads extensively in area, but is also noted for its continuity in recording a period of history through the cumulative layer.

The excavation work is expected to last three months.

(People’s Daily 03/01/2001)