Hongshan culture

Hongshan jadeA carving of a horned humanoid figure of the prehistoric Hongshan culture in northern China; in the Aurora Museum, Pudong, Shanghai, China.

Hongshan culture, (c. 4000–3000 bce) prehistoric culture of far northern China. It appears to have had a three-tiered elite whose members were honored with complex burials. Painted pottery found there may link it to Yangshao culture, while its beautiful jade artifacts link it to other jade-working cultures on the eastern coast, such as Liangzhu (c. 3300–2200 bce). See also Erlitou culture; Longshan culture.

The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica This article was most recently revised and updated by Teagan Wolter.
Citation Information
Article Title: Hongshan culture
Website Name: Encyclopaedia Britannica
Publisher: Encyclopaedia Britannica, Inc.
Date Published: 01 August 2025
Access Date: November 14, 2026