The Keqiutou sites: The first stepping stone towards the sea

Jointly published by: Fujian Daily and Fujian Provincial Bureau of Cultural Heritage

Volume 5, 2020

Keqiutou Archaeological Park in Pingtan County

Tools made from shells

Pottery fragments

Archaeological personnel performing excavations at the Guishan site.

Organized, large-scale human migration to coastal islands began approximately 6000 years ago, marking the start of mankind’s exploration of the seas. The timing of the Keqiutou sites coincided with the seaward migration of the Austronesian-speaking peoples. In terms of the time and geographical conditions, early Keqiutou settlers were most qualified for the seafaring travels.

Photographs by Nian Shuwang