Dating back more than five millennia, the archaeological ruins of Liangzhu (around 3,300-2,300 BCE) stand as one of China's most remarkable Neolithic sites, located in the Yangtze River Delta in East China's Zhejiang province. This impressive civilization not only pioneered advanced urban planning — featuring monumental architecture, complex water management systems, and fortified walls — but also left behind a legacy of stunning jade artifacts, demonstrating exceptional craftsmanship and spiritual depth.

The sites were designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2019. Liangzhu's advanced water management systems supported agriculture, enabled urban life, and laid the foundation for the iconic Jiangnan water towns that appeared thousands of years later. [Photo/VCG]