The Jiahu Neolithic settlement of about 55,000 m2, dated to roughly 9,000-7,800 years ago, where excavators recorded about 45 house sites, 349 tombs, kilns, 16 playable crane-bone flutes and some of the earliest rice found in China. It is a national key cultural relic protection unit.
The Jiahu Archaeological Site Park is at Jiahu Village, about 1.5 km southwest of Beiwudu Town, Wuyang County, Luohe, in Henan province, China. It preserves the Jiahu Neolithic settlement, which covers about 55,000 m2 and is dated to roughly 9,000-7,800 years ago. Excavators recorded about 45 house sites, 349 tombs, kilns, 16 playable crane-bone flutes and some of the earliest rice found in China. The flutes are the best-known finds and are regarded as among the oldest playable musical instruments in the world, while the rice evidence has shaped discussions of early agriculture in the region. The site is a national key cultural relic protection unit. Visitors should expect an open archaeological landscape rather than grand monuments: the park outlines the settlement area, with markers or reconstructed features indicating where houses, graves and workshops stood, and the interest comes from imagining a village that predates writing by millennia. A visit takes about an hour. The Jiahu Site Museum, about 1 km away, holds the artefacts, so seeing it first makes the open ground far easier to interpret. Opening hours and ticket prices are not confirmed, and arrival-day checking is advised. The ground is exposed, with little shade, so dry spring and autumn days are the most pleasant, and wet weather can leave paths muddy. Crowds are rarely a concern, as visitor numbers are modest, with weekday mornings quietest. Photographers can capture the wide rural setting, particularly in low light early or late in the day. Wuyang County lies about 35-40 km west of central Luohe, and a taxi or DiDi is the practical option; the museum and the site are close enough to walk or take a short taxi between.
| Admission | Adult Ticket price not confirmed · Child Not confirmed |
|---|---|
| Hours | Hours not confirmed; check on arrival |
| Typical visit | 1 hour |
| Best time | Dry spring and autumn days |
| Getting there | About 1 km from the Jiahu Site Museum; taxi or walk |
| Address | Jiahu Village, about 1.5 km southwest of Beiwudu Town, Wuyang County, Luohe |
Location
Jiahu Village, about 1.5 km southwest of Beiwudu Town, Wuyang County, Luohe
33.6146, 113.6657 View on map
Highlights
- Neolithic settlement of about 55,000 m2, 9,000-7,800 years old
- About 45 house sites and 349 tombs recorded
- Find spot of 16 playable crane-bone flutes
- Some of the earliest rice found in China
- National key cultural relic protection unit
Tips for visiting
- Visit the Jiahu Site Museum first for context.
- Wear sturdy shoes and bring sun protection, as shade is limited.
- Avoid wet days when ground can be muddy.
- Confirm hours and prices on arrival, as they are unpublished.
- Allow about an hour for the site.
- Use a taxi or walk the 1 km between site and museum.
When to visit
Dry spring and autumn days are best. Weekday mornings are the quietest.
Accessibility
The site is open ground, with paths that may be uneven or unpaved. Wheelchair access is not confirmed.
Frequently asked questions
What was found at Jiahu?
Excavators recorded about 45 house sites, 349 tombs, kilns, 16 playable crane-bone flutes and some of the earliest rice found in China.
How long does a visit take?
About one hour for the site park.
How old is the settlement?
It is dated to roughly 9,000-7,800 years ago.
Is it worth it for children?
It suits older children with an interest in history; the open site has limited displays, so pairing it with the museum helps.