Workers Noticed Something Strange in the Soil—And They Were Right: A 2,500-Year-Old Ancient Settlement Discovered by Accident

Archaeologists in Shaoxing, located in China’s Zhejiang Province, have uncovered a remarkably well-preserved ancient settlement dating back 2,500 years to the Yue State during the early Warring States period (475–221 BCE).

This significant discovery sheds new light on ancient Chinese construction methods and urban planning, offering rare insights into daily life on the outskirts of Yue’s capital.

A Curious Observation in the Soil

The accidental discovery occurred in June 2024, during construction work for a new development in the Shaoxing Binhai area. Workers noticed unusual soil layers, which led to a swift investigation by the Zhejiang Institute of Cultural Relics and Archaeology.

Researchers soon confirmed the presence of an ancient coastal settlement dating to the Warring States period, located roughly 4.47 km north of the old Cao River. The area, historically known as Baicaoyuan, was once a maritime and economic hub.

Remarkable Wooden Architecture

Among the most striking findings were the remnants of advanced wooden structures. Two major wooden buildings, each nearly 1,300 square meters in size, were identified.

• The first structure featured stilts, porches, and walls constructed from interlocking wooden stakes, topped with thatched roofing made of straw and reeds, all tied together with grass ropes.

• The second structure was built with ten parallel rows of wooden piles, horizontal beams, and layered logs—a complex and forward-thinking design that suggests three-dimensional architectural planning, rarely seen in constructions of that era.

The precise joinery techniques used in these buildings even resemble those found in later Chinese dynasties, showing a surprisingly high level of craftsmanship.

Dr. Zhou Xiaolong, an expert in ancient wooden architecture, emphasized the significance of the find, stating: "This wasn’t a random assembly—it was meticulously planned."

A Capital Suburb Revealed

Archaeologist Xu Tianjin explained that this location, along with the ancient cities of Tingshan and Nanshantou, formed a functional extension of Yue’s capital, aligning with historical accounts from the Yuejishu, a classical Chinese text that mentions the “great city of Shanyin.”

Techniques Ahead of Their Time

The site’s wooden foundation system was analyzed by Chen Zhiyong’s team from Harbin Institute of Technology, who found that the construction techniques surpassed even some used during the Tang Dynasty (618–907 CE).

Builders used a foundation system involving woven bamboo baskets and deep-set piles sunk into marshy soil—up to 2.3 meters deep. These methods predate similar Song Dynasty technologies by approximately 1,500 years.

Artifacts Unearthed

The excavation also revealed a treasure trove of artifacts, including:

• A primitive porcelain cup

• Red ceramic tripods

• Ash-glazed burial urns with decorative impressions

• Bronze drill bits

Remains of domesticated animals—especially dogs, pigs, and cattle—were also found, painting a picture of daily agricultural life.

Significantly, researchers uncovered a large volume of marine remnants, such as shells and tuna vertebrae, suggesting that sea-based activities played a key economic role and were likely tied to trade networks.

Ritual and Defense

One of the most intriguing findings was a set of ritual pig burials, with full skeletons aligned toward the ancient Cao River—possibly indicating religious or cultural traditions.

Archaeologists also discovered hydraulic infrastructure, hinting that naval defense strategies were once employed in the area.

More Discoveries in Jizhong

In July 2024, further excavations in Jizhong unveiled even more Yue-era structures. While Jizhong likely served as an administrative center, Baicaoyuan—in the outskirts—appears to have been a working-class settlement, home to craftsmen who salted fish and repaired ships by the waterfront.

Archaeologists also found 38 artifacts from the Six Dynasties period (220–589 CE), indicating that later settlers reused ancient materials for different purposes.

Preserving the Past for the Future

To protect these rare wooden structures, archaeologists and civil engineers are taking innovative steps. The most fragile architectural elements will be reburied under geo-textiles, creating China’s first "archaeological time capsule"—a preservation effort aimed at safeguarding the site for future generations.