Diplomats from 16 Countries Explore the Origin of Chinese Civilization and Experience History at Shimao Ruins

The Shimao ruins are located in the north of the Loess Plateau, on the southern edge of the Mu Us Desert, in Shenmu, Yulin, Shaanxi Province. The archeological site is the largest city of its kind yet to be discovered. Thought to have been inhabited from the late Neolithic Age to the early Xia Dynasty, it opens a window onto the origin of Chinese civilization with a grand scale and rich cultural artifacts, and silently narrates the long and glorious history of the Chinese nation.

On the afternoon of June 3, 18 diplomats from 16 countries visited Shimao ruins, exploring the ancient stone city that stood on the Loess Plateau for over a thousand years and the history embedded in each stone.

A diplomat takes pictures of the ancient stone city on his phone

A diplomat views the exhibit at the Shimao Museum

The Shimao ruins, known as the Dawn of Chinese Civilization, have received numerous accolades over the past decade, including the Top Ten New Archaeological Discoveries (2012), World Top Ten Field Archaeological Discoveries (2011-2020), Top 100 Archaeological Discoveries in a Hundred Years, and Major World Archaeological Discoveries of the 21st Century. The grand painting of ancient Chinese civilization that unfolds at Shimao ruins serves as a live connection to the past and a testament to the wisdom and cultural achievements of Chinese antiquity.

Diplomats visit Shimao

The archeological site at Shimao provides visitors with an opportunity to gain unique insight into the early formation of the state through the story told by the cultural relics themselves, explore the evolution of Chinese civilization, and come to a better understanding of China today.