Jade prospers as vanguard of civilization

Jade, a gem carrying ancient lore, whispers tales of emerald dreams that reflect how our ancestors saw the world. Its verdant hues also mark a dawn of civilization whose lineage thus becomes visible.

More than 5 millennia ago, people living by the Yangtze River created one of the largest and best-preserved settlements in China. They left a rich legacy of prehistoric jade whose luster still shines.

Since archaeologists first unveiled the Lingjiatan site in 1985, these Neolithic ruins in Hanshan county, Ma'anshan city, Anhui province, have yielded artifacts witnessing the advanced jade craftsmanship, mysterious belief system and a wide network of communication dating back 5,300 to 5,800 years.