The Liangzhu culture (5,300-4,300 cal B.P.) represented the peak of prehistoric cultural and social development in the Yangtze Delta. With a wide sphere of influence centred near present day Hangzhou city, the Liangzhu Site Complex is considered one of the earliest urban centres in prehistoric China. Its centre is located near nowadays Hangzhou city and is considered one of the earliest urban centres in prehistoric China. Although it remains a mystery for many in the West, Liangzhu is well known in China for its fine jade crafting industry; its enormous, well-structured earthen compound and recently discovered hydraulic system; and its far-flung impact on contemporary and succeeding cultures. Liangzhu Culture contextualises Liangzhu in broad socioeconomic and cultural backgrounds and provides new, first-hand data to help explain the development and structure of this early urban centre. Among its many insights, the volume reveals how elites used jade as a means of acquiring social power, and how Liangzhu and its centre stand in comparison to other prehistoric urban centres in the world.

This book, the first of its kind published in English language, will be a useful guide to students at all levels interested in material cultures and social structures in prehistoric China and beyond. used jade as a means of acquiring social power, and how Liangzhu and its centre stand in comparison to other prehistoric urban centres in the world. This book, the first of its kind published in English language, will be a useful guide to students at all levels interested in material cultures and social structures in prehistoric China and beyond.