The latest discovery of the ruins of an ancient pound, which dates back to the Yangshao Culture some 5,600 to 6,800 years ago, indicates that primitive Chinese clans mastered advanced techniques for controlling water resources.

The water conservation cistern, unearthed in the Xipo site of Lingbao City of central China's Henan Province, measures 30 meters long by 10 meters wide.

The bank on the south part of the cistern works together with a number of pits in the bottom to store and drain rainwater for people's daily needs, according to archeologists from the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences and Henan archeological research institute, in charge of the excavation project.

Some other cultural relics, including 30 ash pits, two crypts, and a large amount of pottery and stoneware, clay masks and bone ornaments were also unearthed in an area of 500 square meters at the Xipo site.

It is believed that the site, covering 300 square kilometers, was a political and cultural center during the reign of Emperor Huangdi (the Yellow Emperor), the legendary founder of the Chinese nation, over 5,000 years ago. It offers valuable clues for the study of the origin of Chinese civilization.

(Xinhua 02/07/2001)