A significant archaeological discovery at the Zhaizita Stone City site in Juungar Banner, North China's Inner Mongolia autonomous region, has shed new light on the origins and evolution of early Chinese civilization.

Archaeologists have unearthed a well-preserved set of clay figurines depicting a dragon and a phoenix from a tomb dating to around 2,300 BC, corresponding to the middle-to-late Yongxingdian Culture period. The discovery represents the earliest clearly identifiable physical combination of dragon and phoenix figures found so far in northern China.

The figurines were intentionally positioned on both sides of the tomb occupant, creating a symmetrical ritual arrangement. Their distinct forms and coordinated placement provide valuable insight into the spiritual beliefs, ritual practices, and burial traditions of communities during the Longshan period.

The discovery also pushes back the known appearance of tangible dragon and phoenix imagery to the Longshan period, offering new material for research into the development of these iconic symbols in early Chinese civilization.

Archaeologists said the findings highlight the Hexi Corridor region's role in the development of early spiritual culture and provide important evidence for understanding the formation of China's pluralistic yet unified civilization.