Location & Transport

Laoniupo Site sits in the northern and western parts of Liaoyuan Village, Baqiao District, Xi’an. To get there, take Xi’an Metro Line 1 to Baqiao Station, then a 20-minute taxi or bus ride. The site is near the Ba River and Bailu Yuan (White Deer Plain), so you’ll pass rural landscapes and small villages.

Natural Scenery

Don’t expect mountains or rivers here—Laoniupo Site is a sprawling archaeological area surrounded by fields and old trees. In spring, wildflowers grow around the site, and in autumn, nearby farms harvest crops, giving a quiet, timeless vibe. It’s perfect for photos if you love blending history with nature.

Cultural Highlights

Ancient History (4000 BC–1100 BC)

Laoniupo Site is a national key cultural relic spanning the Neolithic Age to the Shang Dynasty. Imagine people living here for over 3,000 years! They left behind house foundations, fire pits, and pottery kilns. The coolest find? A 37.5m-long palace base—early Chinese “architecture” at its finest.

Bronze Age Secrets

They even found bronze smelting residues and clay molds for casting tools. This proves Laoniupo Site was a hub for metalworking way back. Nearby graves held 50+ tombs, including ones with “side chambers”—the earliest example in China! These point to a high-ranking community during the Shang era.

Treasures Unearthed

The site coughed up copper tools, jade ornaments, and stone weapons. Some pottery had straw-mixed walls—ancient DIY building materials! A horse pit and chariot graves suggest this place was serious about status and transport.

Facilities for Visitors

  • Visitor Center: Free maps and English guides (though staff speak basic English; consider hiring a private guide).
  • Paths: Dirt trails wind through the site, but it’s flat and stroller-friendly.
  • Rest Areas: Shaded benches near the palace ruins—great for breaks.
  • Tips: Wear comfy shoes, bring water, and skip the site on rainy days (mud city!).

What to Expect

Walking through Laoniupo feels like stepping into a living history book. You’ll see:

  • Reconstructed huts: Imagine Neolithic families cooking here.
  • Grave pits: Some are empty, but others still hold pottery shards.
  • Museum exhibits: Check out bronze tools and jade pieces (labeled in English!).

It’s not as flashy as the Terracotta Army, but history buffs will love its raw, unrestored vibe. Combine it with a trip to Han Dynasty Yangling Mausoleus or Huashan for a full Xi’an adventure.

Why Visit Laoniupo Site?

This spot isn’t just about old stuff—it’s a window into how early Chinese civilization spread west. The palace and bronze work show the Shang Empire’s reach, while the graves hint at social hierarchy. Even if you’re not a history fan, the peaceful setting and “wow, they found what here?” moments make it worth a detour.

Pro tip: Go early morning or late afternoon to beat crowds. And tell locals you’re heading to “Laoniupo”—they’ll be impressed you know this hidden gem!