Tangdian Site of Neolithic Culture in Gejiu City, Honghe

The Tangdian Neolithic Cultural Site (倘甸新石器文化遗址) is an important archaeological site located at Biaoganpo (标杆坡), east of Tangdian Village (倘甸村), Jijie Town (鸡街镇), Gejiu City (个旧市), Honghe Prefecture (红河州), Yunnan Province. The site lies about 20 kilometers north of Gejiu City, at an altitude of approximately 1,400 meters.

It was discovered during excavations carried out between March and April 1993, and dates to the middle to late Neolithic period. Numerous valuable cultural relics were unearthed, providing important evidence for the study of Neolithic history and culture in Yunnan.

• Chinese Name: 倘甸新石器文化遗址
• Location: Biaoganpo (标杆坡), Tangdian Village (倘甸村), Jijie Town (鸡街镇), Gejiu City (个旧市), Honghe Prefecture (红河州), Yunnan Province
• Altitude: approx. 1,400 meters
• Discovery Time: March–April 1993
• Period: Middle to Late Neolithic

Archaeological Excavation

In the 1993 excavation, more than 70 artifacts were unearthed, mainly polished stone tools and pottery. These discoveries provided rich material evidence for the study of production techniques and daily life during the Neolithic period.

Unearthed Artifacts

• Polished Stone Tools: Various types, including stone axes, adzes, and knives. Their fine craftsmanship indicates a mature stone-processing technology of the time.
• Pottery: Mostly daily utensils such as jars and bowls. The pottery features diverse shapes and decorative patterns, reflecting the technological and aesthetic achievements of Neolithic pottery making.
• Carved Stone Human Head: A finely made artifact measuring 4.8 cm in length, 3.5 cm in width, and 1.5 cm in thickness. This miniature sculpture demonstrates advanced carving skills and provides valuable insight into the religious beliefs and social culture of the period.

Archaeological Value

The Tangdian Neolithic Cultural Site (倘甸新石器文化遗址) is of great significance for understanding the history and culture of Yunnan during the Neolithic period. The unearthed relics reflect the social economy, cultural practices, and technological level of the time. Further study of the site can shed light on the development and cultural exchanges of the region in prehistoric times.

Protection and Research

The Tangdian Neolithic Cultural Site (倘甸新石器文化遗址) has been designated as an important cultural relic protection unit. Preservation and research measures have been implemented, and ongoing archaeological investigations are expected to reveal more about Neolithic history in Yunnan.

The Tangdian Neolithic Cultural Site (倘甸新石器文化遗址) is a key archaeological site in Jijie Town (鸡街镇), Gejiu City (个旧市), Yunnan. The large number of artifacts unearthed—especially the carved stone human head—demonstrates the advanced craftsmanship and rich cultural connotations of the time. Protection and continued study of this site will contribute to a deeper understanding of the development and cultural interactions of Yunnan during the Neolithic period.