A brilliant new gem along the Grand Canal is set to be unveiled, as the Luxian County Ancient City Ruins Archaeological Park prepares to open its doors to the public next year. The park, nestled in Beijing's sub-center in Tongzhou district, will feature a museum that stands out not only for its unique design but also for its deep connection to history.

Located at the southwestern corner of the city's administrative office area, the Luxian County Ancient City Ruins Museum is taking shape with a distinctive architectural style. Designed to resemble a jade ceremonial blade known as "zhang," the museum symbolizes the continuity of history. Unlike traditional museums that typically rise above ground, this museum has most of its functional areas located underground. 

Inside, the museum's focus on preserving history is evident. One of the highlights is a nearly 2,000-square-meter exhibition area where ancient wells and kiln sites, dating back 2,000 years to Han dynasty (202 B.C.-A.D. 220), are preserved in their original locations. Visitors will be able to peer into these archaeological finds, gaining a close-up view of ancient life.

In addition to the ruins, the museum will display artifacts uncovered from the site over the years, including pottery, bronze, and jade objects. The museum's 20,000-square-meter space will also house storage areas, technical workshops, and educational facilities.

The discovery of the Luxian County Ancient City ruins has been a significant achievement in Chinese archaeology. Since the site's discovery in 2016, archaeologists have uncovered numerous artifacts and structures that offer insight into life during the Han dynasty.

The ancient city's layout, nearly square in shape and covering an area of approximately 350,000 square meters, has been mapped out by archaeologists. They have also identified over 150 ancient wells, marking the first time such a large number of Han dynasty wells have been discovered and recorded in Beijing. Among these wells are examples of wooden structures, a rare find that holds great significance for the study of Han architecture.

The site also includes a pottery production area and other industrial remains, which provide valuable information about the work of craftsmen and people's daily life in ancient Beijing. These discoveries will be showcased in the museum, allowing visitors to explore another side of ancient urban life.

The archaeological park surrounding the museum is designed to merge seamlessly with the ruins, offering visitors a close-up look at history. The park aims to recreate the city's ancient layout, incorporating elements from the archaeological findings into the landscape. For example, the ancient road network of the city will be restored using eco-friendly planting techniques, and the outline of the city walls will be recreated by covering them with soil and integrating them into a walking path.

The park's development follows a phased approach, with 113 hectares under protection. The second phase of construction is nearly complete, with plans to open by the end of this year, while the third phase will begin once the remaining areas are cleared for development.

When the park opens, visitors will not only be able to walk through the ancient city but also participate in ongoing archaeological work, according to city officials. The site is also expected to apply for National Archaeological Park status, further enhancing its significance as a cultural landmark.

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