New Archaeological Discovery in Baoji, Shaanxi: Wei Jiaya Site Basically Confirmed as the Qin Capital “Qianwei Junction”
Major Discovery! Another Capital of the Qin Dynasty Unearthed!
According to a report on November 30, “Based on the geographical location, size, age, and latest discoveries at the site, it can basically be confirmed that the Weijiaya Site is the Qin capital ‘Qianwei Zhihui.’ This represents a significant breakthrough in recent archaeological research on early Qin culture and is of great importance for studying the early history of the Qin people’s eastward migration to the Guanzhong region.” On November 29, Professor Liang Yun from the School of Cultural Heritage at Northwest University introduced the major findings from the excavation work at the Weijiaya Site in Baoji.
The Weijiaya Site, located at the eastern angle of the confluence of the Qian (or Qianhe) River and the Wei River, is a high-status Qin cultural city site from the early Spring and Autumn period. It is situated in Weijiaya Village, Qianhe Town, Chencang District, Baoji City, Shaanxi Province. The site covers an area of about 1 million square meters and dates from the Longshan period to the Han Dynasty, with Qin culture from the Spring and Autumn period being the dominant feature. The capital “Qianwei Zhihui” built by Qin Wen Gong was an important chapter in the development of the Qin Dynasty. It served as the Qin capital for 49 years and holds a special place in the hearts of the Qin people.
“This capital is clearly recorded in historical documents, with specific details about the time, location, and characters involved,” Liang Yun told reporters. The “Records of the Grand Historian: Qin Benji” states that in the fourth year of Qin Wen Gong’s reign (762 BC), he went to Qianwei Zhihui to build a capital. However, there has been considerable debate and no consensus on its exact location in the past.
The confirmation is mainly based on three pieces of evidence: Firstly, the size of the city site corresponds to historical records, and the discovery of rammed-earth architectural foundations and the earliest Qin roof tiles (channel tiles) found so far indicate the existence of high-status buildings. Secondly, the discovery of multiple high-status tombs, such as early Spring and Autumn period Qin aristocrat tombs with five bronze ding cauldrons as burial objects (at that time, the tombs of rulers contained seven ding cauldrons, and five ding cauldrons were second only to the ruler’s level). Other complete sets of ritual vessels were also buried alongside, and the tomb dates match. There is also a large chariot and horse pit about 23 meters long, indicating its extraordinary specifications. Additionally, handicraft remains such as copper casting, bone working, and pottery making were found. Combined with previous discoveries, it can basically be confirmed that the Weijiaya Site is indeed the Qin capital “Qianwei Zhihui.”
Liang Yun believes that exploring the early history of the Qin people’s eastward migration to the Guanzhong region is of great significance. The Qin people’s main activities were previously in the west of the Long Mountains. When King Ping of Zhou moved his capital eastward to Luoyang, Qin Wen Gong hunted in the western part of the Guanzhong region in the third year of his reign. In the fourth year of his reign (762 BC), he arrived at Qianwei Zhihui, chose the site through divination, and built the capital. This was an important chapter in the development of the Qin people. After “gaining a foothold” here, the Qin people were able to develop calmly.
It is understood that since 2022, a joint archaeological team composed of experts from Northwest University, the Shaanxi Provincial Institute of Archaeology, the Emperor Qinshihuang’s Mausoleum Site Museum, the National Museum of China, the Baoji Archaeological Research Institute, and the Chencang District Museum, led by Liang Yun, has conducted continuous archaeological excavations at the Weijiaya Site for three years.
“The excavation of this site was quite challenging, and last year, we worked until December 31st,” Liang Yun said. The cultural layers at the site are very thick, with many layers stacked above the “Qianwei Zhihui” period, including those from the Han Dynasty, the Song and Yuan dynasties, and modern times. Another characteristic of Qin tombs is their depth, with some reaching 10 meters, making exploration difficult and rammed-earth buildings hard to find.
Regarding the protection of the site, Liang Yun stated, “Cultural relics have roots. We hope that this site can be developed into the Qianwei Zhihui Site Museum in the future. The significance of a site museum lies in protecting and displaying historical sites, inheriting and promoting historical culture, and enhancing the public’s historical awareness and cultural confidence.”
