Over the centuries there have been numerous studies of when iron was first used in China, but until recently the only basis for a discussion of the question was in written texts.

Many cliff inscriptions of 1,700 years old have been found in the Three Gorges area on the Yangtze River.

This project aims to articulate processes underlying the evolution of ancient societies in the Yi-Luo River valley, western Henan province, where the earliest Chinese states emerged. Includes: history, results, and links.

Dr. Gary Feinman will send electronic updates about a Chinese and American archaeological team's work to investigate the origins of early civilization. Includes: information about Feinman, the expedition, field reports, and photos.

Asian Perspectives, 42(1). Article examines the production of prestige goods in the Neolithic and early Bronze Age of China, focusing on procurement of raw material, and on manufacture, redistribution, and consumption of ritual objects made of jade, white pottery, and bronze. (PDF)

A press release from Brookhaven National Laboratory detailing a set of very early Chinese flutes.

From Xinhuanet, archaeologists have found awell preserved ancient female corpse, which was believed to be some 1,000 years old, in Gaochun county of Nanjing, Jiangsu Province.

From Xinhuanet, household items, including stone and bone vessels, dating back 4,000 years have been unearthed at the Xihetan Ruins, in Gansu Province.

From the people's Daily, Chinese archaeologists have unearthed a wooden boat dating back at least 7,500 years in Xiaoshan City of east China's Zhejiang Province.

Articles at NOVA Online giving further information on the Tarum Mummies.