CHINESE archaeologists were recently surprised to find an ancient heating wall in the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region in north China, which can still be used.
The wall with flues for heating was discovered on Oct 8 in Xinglongwa, a cultural relics site in Chifeng, which can be traced back to 7,600 years ago.
However, the wall is believed to be younger than the whole relic site.
Archaeologists from the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences and the regional archaeology institute said the wall was used 4,000 years ago.
Though the burning turned it maroon, archaeologists said the 30cm-high, 20cm-wide and two metres-long wall, is one of the best preserved heating facilities of the Neolithic Age ever found in north China.
Archaeologists found that smoke can be seen at the flue exits when firewood is burnt.
Discovered in 1982, Xinglongwa is regarded as the best preserved, the largest and the earliest cultural relic site of the Neolithic Age in China.
The site has drawn close attention from domestic and overseas archaeologists. – People’s Daily
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