Liaoning, Hebei and Inner Mongolia Unite to Protect Hongshan Heritage

The 2026 Conference on Hongshan Culture highlighted the Neolithic site's role as a foundational pillar of Chinese civilization. Spanning across modern-day Liaoning, Hebei, and Inner Mongolia, the culture is renowned for its ritual architecture and intricate jade craftsmanship, including the iconic C-shaped dragon. Despite lacking traditional markers of early civilization like metallurgy or writing, the culture flourished through complex social organization and shared spiritual identity.

Xu Kunlin, secretary of the Liaoning Provincial Committee, emphasized that the province is prioritizing legislative protection for the Niuheliang site while expanding digital outreach to engage younger audiences. Rao Quan, head of the National Cultural Heritage Administration, urged for the integration of these archaeological findings into tourism and education, aiming to boost public confidence through thematic museums and study tours. During the event, researchers including Guo Dashun and Sinologist Elizabeth Childs-Johnson received tributes for their long-term contributions to the field.

Experts at the conference argued that Hongshan proves Chinese civilization emerged from the interaction of multiple regional centers rather than a single source. This collaborative spirit now extends to regional governance, as the signed cooperation agreement formalizes a new era of cross-border data sharing and site management. By standardizing protection efforts, the three regions hope to elevate the global profile of Hongshan relics and ensure their preservation for future generations.