Shang Dynasty Tombs Wubeiling Village

Shenzhen is a place that is rich in spots of historical relevance. More than 500 relic sites have been discovered including 118 protected sites – one at national level, and 10 at the provincial. One among the nation’s premiere 10 archaeological excavations in 2001 was that of the Shang Dynasty (1766 – 1122 BC) tombs at the Wubeiling Village in the Nanshan District.

The Shang Dynasty not only excelled in bronze technology, but also writing, walled cities and a complete state structure. Thousands of Shang tombs which have been excavated provide rich evidence of Shang material culture and ritual practices. The most important findings are ‘oracle bones’ which record the queries that were posed by Shang kings to their ancestors. Here, we learn of the pantheon of gods, from Di to the nature gods, as well as their ancestors.

The Shang burial practices confirm the abiding interest of the rulers in their forefathers. The last capital – Anyang – in the present Henan province is the place where many of the tombs have been found. The tomb of the royal consort, Fu Hao, is the only one to be found looted. Dated around 1250 BC, it is of modest size located outside the chief royal cemetery. Built over the tomb is a structure for holding memorial ceremonies.