Authenticity

The over 70-year archaeological excavation and investigation has confirmed the authenticity of Liangzhu Archaeological Site. Most of the remains, both outside and inside the ancient city, are under paddy fields and earth mounds. Parts of the north, west and south city walls were excavated and sheltered for protection. 

Remains in Yaoshan, Fanshan and Meirendi are backfilled after archaeological excavation. In particular, the sacrificial altars and tombs of Yaoshan and Fanshan are interpreted through simulation above ground without direct intervention to the sites. The other remains are generally buried underground without artificial intervention. 

To sum up, Liangzhu Archaeological Site generally has good authenticity, and the truthful and credible source of information helps understand the values of the property.

Integrity

The nominated property area of Liangzhu Archaeological Site is 908.89 hectares, covering the entire core elements of the city of 290 hectares, including the remains of city walls and gates, Fanshan  Tomb, foundation of large structures in Mojiao Hill and other, as well as major elements of historic setting: isolated hills such as Fengshan Hill, Zhishan Hill and Qianshan Hill, some historical water system and the wetland ecological environment; features of the site-selection and environment of the settlement of Liangzhu Ancient City are preserved with good integrity. 

Meanwhile, the buffer zone covering an area of 10,256.45 hectares includes the complete historical setting of the Daxiong Mountain and Dazhe Mountain, as well as heritage sites of the same period namely the Yaoshan, Tangshan, Xunshan, Huiguanshan and Yaojiadun which have potential value and need further archaeological research. 

To sum up, Liangzhu Archaeological Site has good integrity, abundant underground remains, and has basically preserved the original setting and historical appearance, which satisfies the condition of integrity, with the wholeness and intactness of the site and its attributes well preserved.

(Executive Editor: Yongliu He)