Banpo

When you explore Banpo, located east of Xi'an in the Yellow River valley, you step directly into one of North China's earliest farming settlements. Discovered in 1953, this Neolithic archaeological treasure represents the first phase of the Yangshao culture, dating back thousands of years. Today, the site houses the Xi'an Banpo Museum, which was built in 1957 to preserve its fascinating historical collection.

As you wander the grounds, you will discover the excavated remains of an organized village once home to 100 to 500 people. You can observe semi-subterranean circular houses built from mud and wood with thatched roofs, all originally enclosed by a wide defensive moat. Outside this perimeter, archaeologists uncovered pottery kilns alongside adult cemeteries and unique infant jar burials placed near the homes.

You will also see an incredible array of ancient artifacts, including thousands of agricultural tools like bone and ceramic knives, stone adzes, and mortars. Highlights include over 500,000 ceramic potsherds showcasing early Chinese potter's wheel techniques, decorated with striking geometric fish motifs, human head designs, and rich red-and-black pigments. It is an unforgettable window into prehistoric domestic life, animal husbandry, and early Asian ceramic artistry.

What to see at Banpo

• Preserved remnants of circular, mud-and-wood semi-subterranean Neolithic houses
• Historical pottery collection featuring iconic fish patterns and anthropomorphic human head designs
• Evidence of early Chinese innovations, including China's first recorded pottery kilns and potter's wheel
• Excavated farming tools, bone hooks, and carbonized foxtail millet showcasing early agricultural life
• Distinctive burial traditions, including adult cemetery pits and children interred in redware jars

Visiting tips

Examine the fine details on the displayed red-and-black ceramics to spot unique potter symbol marks and abstract fish motifs.

How long: 1-2 hours · Best time: Early morning

How to get there & what’s nearby

Banpo is easy to reach on Xi'an’s public transport, and pairs naturally with Terracotta Army and Chang'an. For where to stay, the weather and full itineraries, see our Xi'an travel guide.