Yin Xu

country. China

year of inscription. 2006

criteria. Cultural

The archaeological site of Yin Xu, located in Henan province, is the location of the capital of the Shang Dynasty (1300 – 1046BCE) of ancient China. Artefacts unearthed here are testaments to the development, artistic and scientific attainment, and prosperity of the Chinese Bronze Age. The foundations of palaces and houses as well as tombs, with grave goods made of jade, bone, ceramic and bronze, have been excavated here; notable amongst the royal tombs is the sole intact one: the Tomb of Fu Hao. Also discovered here were oracle bones – with ideograms etched on them – which form the origins of the Chinese writing system, one of the oldest in the world.

what. stamps (China, 2016)