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The Zhejiang Provincial Institute of Cultural Relics and Archaeology unveiled its top 10 archaeological discoveries of 2024 on March 1, with Shaoxing's Jizhong site securing a spot on the list.

The selection process was highly competitive, with 148 excavation projects under consideration. From these, 26 were shortlisted before the final 10 were chosen.

The Jizhong site, once home to a prefectural academy in ancient times, has been under excavation since Feb 2024.

Spanning 3,000 square meters, archaeologists have unearthed the remains of large-scale structures, wells, and nearly 80 significant features from different historical periods. More than 10,000 artifacts — including pottery, porcelain, bronze, iron, stone tools, and architectural components — have been discovered.

One of the site's most remarkable findings is the first confirmed evidence of large-scale construction from the Yue Kingdom during the Warring States Period (475-221 BC). This discovery substantiates historical records of King Goujian's capital and provides fresh insights into the ancient city's layout.

"The inclusion of the Jizhong site among Zhejiang's top archaeological discoveries underscores its historical importance," said Li Longbin, director of the Shaoxing Institute of Cultural Relics and Archaeology.

With its deep stratification, a rich assemblage of artifacts, and high-status architectural remains spanning centuries, the Jizhong site reaffirms Shaoxing's long-standing role as a cultural, political, and economic center in Southeast China.