A group of journalists from Latin America and the Caribbean embarked on a cultural journey to the Erlitou Site Museum of the Xia Capital in Luoyang, central China’s Henan Province. The visit offered them a rare glimpse into China’s ancient civilization and the birthplace of its early dynasties.
The museum, which recently received the 2023 UNESCO Asia-Pacific Award for Cultural Heritage Conservation, is situated on the Erlitou archaeological site. This site is believed to be the capital city during the middle-to-late Xia Dynasty, China’s first recorded dynasty that dates back over 3,800 years.
Spanning more than 3 million square meters, the Erlitou site boasts some of the earliest milestones in Chinese history, including the earliest known palace city, urban road network, and intricate bronze ritual vessels. These discoveries highlight the dawn of Chinese statecraft and ceremonial culture.
The delegation learned how the Erlitou culture marked China’s transition from the Stone Age to the Bronze Age, paving the way for the Xia, Shang, and Zhou dynasties. The museum showcases over six decades of archaeological findings, systematically presenting the development of Xia Dynasty history and its significant contributions to China’s early ceremonial systems.
Designed to resemble a coiled dragon—a powerful symbol in Chinese culture—the museum pays tribute to one of the site’s most iconic artifacts: the oldest and most complete dragon-shaped object in China, crafted from turquoise.
A highlight of the exhibition is the exploration of the Xia Dynasty’s ceremonial traditions. Through bronzeware, jade, and other relics unearthed from the site, visitors can experience ancient practices such as sacrificial rituals, music, wine ceremonies, burial customs, totem worship, and military culture. These exhibits provide a comprehensive view of early Chinese etiquette systems.
The visit not only opened a window into the richness of China’s ancient civilization but also fostered cultural dialogue and mutual understanding. By bridging thousands of years of history, the exchange strengthened ties between China and the Global South, highlighting the importance of cultural heritage in connecting people across continents.
