Archaeologists in Beijing, China, have uncovered three wooden boats dating back about 1,800 years, offering rare evidence of government involvement in ancient river transport. The vessels were buried about 23 feet (7 meters) beneath an old riverbed in the city’s Fengtai district. Researchers identified them as the largest inland waterway boats of their period discovered in northern China.
One boat bears 10 official markings, suggesting that authorities played a role in its operation during the Han and Jin dynasties. The Beijing Municipal Institute of Archaeology discovered the vessels in late 2025. Archaeologist Ding Lina presented additional findings on October 31 during the Beijing People’s Archaeology Season.
Ancient boats reveal Beijing’s river transport history
Excavations took place during an urban redevelopment project in Wanquansi Village. The boats lay side by side along a bend in the ancient Yongding River. Researchers named them Yongding River 1, 2 and 3. All three have flat wooden bottoms and measure more than 33 feet (10 meters) long.
The largest measures 49 feet (15 meters). The best-preserved vessel stretches 46 feet (14 meters) and contains nine compartments separated by wooden supports. Radiocarbon dating places the boats between the late Eastern Han Dynasty and the Wei and Jin periods.
Archaeologists in Beijing have uncovered three 1,800-year-old wooden boats buried beneath an ancient riverbed. One vessel bears 10 government markings, offering rare clues about how authorities managed river transport in ancient China. pic.twitter.com/5YZuzLP5fY
— Tom Marvolo Riddle (@tom_riddle2025) November 2, 2026
The discovery provides the first direct archaeological evidence of ancient inland shipping in the Beijing region. The Yongding River once connected northern China with the Central Plains, serving as an important regional transport route. During the Han period, China also maintained trade connections with the Roman world through the Silk Road, although goods often passed through intermediaries.
Government markings found on ancient wooden boat
Archaeologists identified 10 marks bearing the Chinese character “官” (guan), meaning “official,” branded into sections of the second boat. The markings suggest the vessel served a government-related purpose. However, researchers have not established whether authorities commissioned the boat or supervised its operations. The evidence could help explain how officials managed waterways used to transport people, grain, and other supplies.
Construction techniques reveal ancient shipbuilding skills
The boats also reveal how ancient Chinese shipbuilders combined different materials. Wooden joints and pegs secured the floorboards, while iron nails connected some upper sections. Researchers found similarities between these joints and those of Silk Road No. 1, an ancient vessel discovered in Xi’an.
Experts also noted possible similarities with Roman-era Mediterranean shipbuilding techniques. However, no evidence establishes a direct technological connection between the regions. Other Roman shipwreck discoveries have also provided evidence of ancient construction methods and trade.
Wood analysis identified pine in the hulls and mulberry wood in some supports. Archaeologists also discovered human remains and animal bones nearby. The boats have been removed for conservation. Further research will examine their construction and possible uses.
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