China announced on Friday new progress on significant archaeological projects, with major breakthroughs achieved in the study of the civilization in the lower reaches of the Yangtze River, China's longest river.

The National Cultural Heritage Administration released a series of significant archaeological discoveries and the latest research achievements related to the origins and early development of Chinese civilization.

Around 6,000 years ago, the accelerated process of social complexity in the lower Yangtze region led to the emergence of concentrated settlements including the Lingjiatan relics site in present-day east China's Anhui Province, and Dongshan Village in now east China's Jiangsu Province, marking the first stage of the ancient state era, around 5,800-5,200 years ago.

Meanwhile, the archeological ruins of Liangzhu in east China's Zhejiang Province represents the second stage of the ancient state era, approximately 5,200-4,300 years ago, where archaeological studies indicate that the development of rice cultivation promoted social division of labor and the specialization in handicrafts.

Inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2019, the archeological ruins of Liangzhu are recognized as one of the earliest examples of Chinese civilization.

Currently, researchers have almost completed the survey and exploration of Liangzhu ruins, discovering over 20 new dams, which reveal the complete picture of the hydraulic system in the ancient city.

The total number of identified archeological sites has increased to more than 300.