Archaeologists in China have reconstructed three buildings near a 5,000-year-old burial site and royal tombs, offering new clues about how the ancient Liangzhu civilization honored its rulers. Researchers believe the largest structure may have served as a ceremonial hall where people gathered to remember deceased leaders.
The findings come from Fanshan, an important prehistoric cemetery in eastern China’s Zhejiang province. The site is known for its wealthy tombs and valuable jade artifacts, which provide evidence of the power and status of Liangzhu’s ruling elite.
Ancient buildings discovered near royal tombs
Excavations east of the cemetery uncovered 120 postholes that once held wooden supports. Although the buildings have disappeared, the holes allowed archaeologists to reconstruct their original layouts.
Researchers from the Zhejiang Provincial Institute of Cultural Relics and Archaeology identified three structures, labeled F1, F2, and F3. They studied the postholes and compared their findings with ancient building designs depicted on Liangzhu pottery.
The largest building had an oval layout measuring approximately 25.2 meters by 16 meters (83 feet by 52 feet). It covered about 316 square meters (3,401 square feet). A nearby circular building occupied roughly 105 square meters (1,130 square feet), while a smaller, nearly square structure covered 23 square meters (248 square feet).
Researchers believe the oval building featured a raised wooden floor, an exterior corridor, and a large roof. It may have stood about 15 meters (49 feet) tall. Evidence also suggests a passageway connected it to the circular building.
Could the largest building have hosted royal ceremonies?
The structures stood near important graves, including Tomb M12, which contained valuable jade objects associated with Liangzhu’s elite. Other archaeological discoveries, including a 5,000-year-old tomb in China, have also revealed how early societies displayed wealth and power through burial practices.
Wang Ningyuan, a senior researcher involved in the excavations, suggested the largest building may have been a xiangdian, a hall used for ceremonies honoring deceased rulers and ancestors.
Archaeologists in China have reconstructed three 5,000-year-old buildings near ancient royal tombs. The largest may have served as a ceremonial hall where the Liangzhu civilization honored its rulers, offering new clues about prehistoric burial rituals. pic.twitter.com/owof1BzZAM
— Tom Marvolo Riddle (@tom_riddle2025) October 21, 2026
However, archaeologists have not confirmed its purpose. Evidence of household activities could help determine whether it served as a ceremonial space or an elite residence. Similar research into ancient Minoan burial rituals has shown how ceremonies played an important role in honoring the dead.
Earlier excavations also revealed a rectangular enclosure surrounding the cemetery. It measured approximately 180 meters by 140 meters (591 feet by 459 feet). Radiocarbon dating suggests parts of its walls were built around 5,000 years ago, roughly when the cemetery’s most important burials took place.
Jade treasures reveal Liangzhu’s powerful elite
Fanshan gained attention in 1986 when archaeologists uncovered richly furnished tombs containing jade objects, including a large ritual cong and a ceremonial axe. Jade also held importance in other prehistoric Chinese societies. Archaeologists previously discovered a 5,000-year-old jade dragon in China inside a tomb associated with the Hongshan culture.
The Fanshan artifacts highlight the craftsmanship, wealth, and social hierarchy of Liangzhu society. Archaeological discoveries elsewhere in the region, including an 8,000-year-old prehistoric site in China, have also provided evidence of early cultural development.
The newly reconstructed buildings suggest Fanshan may have been more than a cemetery. Further research could reveal how ancient rulers combined monumental architecture, burial practices, and ancestor worship to express their authority.
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