New archaeological discovery at Wuxi Meili relic site

A news conference on the archaeological discovery at Wuxi Meili relic site is held in Wuxi's Xinwu district on July 23. [Photo by Xiao Da/chinadaily.com.cn]

Research into newly discovered relics has revealed more about the archaeological ruins of Meili in Wuxi, East China's Jiangsu province, according to a news conference on July 23.

For the first time in the Meili ruins, archaeologists uncovered relics spanning from the Shang Dynasty (c.16th century-11th century BC) to the Spring and Autumn Period (770-476 BC).

The new findings will provide important clues as to the origin and development of Wu culture.

Covering 60,000 square meters, the Meili relic site is located in Meicun town of Wuxi, known as Meili in ancient times and believed to be the birthplace of Wu culture.

In August 2018, local government launched the second phase of Meili Ancient Town, a cultural tourism project featuring Wu culture, and invited archaeology institutes to investigate and explore the project site.

Through excavation, nearly 200 heritage sites, including ash pits, ash ditches, water wells and building bases, and a number of relics including printed hard pottery, soft pottery, sand pottery and original porcelain, were discovered.

Moving forward, an exhibition hall will be built at a 500-square-meter relic site in Meili Ancient Town to display the ancient heritages. It is expected to open to the public in 2021.

The newly discovered site in Meili Ancient Town is chosen as the location of an exhibition hall to display ancient heritages. [Photo by Xiao Da/chinadaily.com.cn]

Several unearthed relics are displayed at an exhibition in Wuxi's Xinwu district. [Photo by Xiao Da/chinadaily.com.cn]