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5,000-year-old Liangzhu ruins take centre stage in China’s official history with Xi’s backing

  • Archaeological site is concrete evidence of 5,000 years civilisation and a treasure for the world, the Chinese leader says
  • The finds reinforce Beijing’s narrative of a continuous history, with China holding an ancient status as a global power

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A display at the Liangzhu Museum in Hangzhou, Zhejiang province, in eastern China gives an indication of what life may have been like in the ancient city 5,000 years ago. Photo: Xinhua
Sylvie Zhuangin Beijing
Chinese President Xi Jinping has hailed Liangzhu as physical proof of China’s 5,000-year civilisation and “a real treasure for the world”, elevating the ancient city ruins amid a sweeping push to reinforce the country’s historical status as a global power.

State news agency Xinhua reported that Xi’s remarks were made in a letter – read out on Sunday by the Communist Party’s propaganda chief Li Shulei – to around 300 Chinese and foreign attendees of the first Liangzhu Forum.

“The Liangzhu ruins are concrete evidence of China’s 5,000-year civilisation history and a treasure of world civilisation,” Xi wrote.

The forum in Hangzhou was co-hosted by China’s Ministry of Culture and Tourism and the southeastern province of Zhejiang where the archaeological ruins were discovered, according to the Xinhua report.

The Archaeological Ruins of Liangzhu City park is seen in Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, in November. Photo: Xinhua
The Archaeological Ruins of Liangzhu City park is seen in Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, in November. Photo: Xinhua
Its aim was to improve dialogue on civilisations with partner countries in China’s Belt and Road Initiative, the massive multinational infrastructure programme that turned 10 years old in October.
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