New findings

In recent decades, many other examples of Neolithic culture and regional civilizations dating back about 5,000 years have been found across China.

As a result, the belief that the Central Plains were the core area during the early phase of Chinese civilization has been challenged by some scholars.

In recent years, however, deeper research as part of Archaeology China, a national-level project, appears to have produced fresh thoughts, following many new findings.

The Shuanghuaishu site in Gongyi, Henan, is arguably the most rewarding of the latest discoveries.

Dating back some 5,300 years during the later period of Yangshao Culture, this site, which covers more than 1.17 sq km, was listed among the top 10 archaeological discoveries in China last year.

Archaeologists unearthed a city with three layers of moats, public graveyards, large-scale remains of a residential area and sacrificial altars, among other key heritage findings.

Wei, the researcher, said the discovery of an exquisite ivory silkworm sculpture provides key reference points for those studying the origins of silk.

"Apparently, the location of this city was carefully chosen and it bore the features of a national capital," Wei said. "This finding fills a gap in a crucial period of time at an important location.

"Yangshao Culture entered an era of civilization in its later period," he said. "Its bears the key genes of Chinese civilization throughout history."

Han Jianye, an archaeology professor at Renmin University of China, expects in-depth research into Yangshao Culture to better explain Chinese people's thinking in general today.

"Starting with Yangshao Culture, people relied on an agricultural economy and a massively settled community," he said. "A rigid system of rituals was followed and people paid homage to their ancestors.

"Chinese people thus emphasized introversion, harmony and stability, and these characteristics ensure the lasting prosperity of Chinese civilization," he said.