Converging Narratives on the Yangshao Culture

This chapter investigates how official Chinese media, and newspapers in particular, have interpreted the historical and cultural value of the Yangshao Culture. It also analyses discussions on social networking platforms, focusing on Zhihu 知乎, to analyse how the Yangshao Culture has been discussed in public discourse over the past decade. Our analysis demonstrates that traditional media outlets, including People’s Daily and research articles included in the China National Knowledge Infrastructure 中國知網 (CNKI), exhibit flexibility in their narratives on Yangshao. This adaptability allows them to update and change their portrayal of the culture in response to new archaeological findings and shifts in scholarly opinion. They highlight the historical and cultural importance of the Yangshao Culture, focusing on interpretations and meanings that align with current social and educational discussions. Discussions about Yangshao on social media reveal a blend of critical analysis and personalised narratives, interweaving appeals to both emotion and logical reasoning. Participants not only acknowledge the historical significance of the Yangshao Culture but also express a strong sense of cultural confidence and national pride. The interactive nature of these platforms suggests deepening engagement with cultural heritage. This dynamic engagement communicates a fascination with historical legacy and with cultural heritage protection and utilisation. This case study thus illuminates not only evolving narrative strategies within Chinese media but also public engagement with cultural heritage discourse.

China · Cultural analysis · Cultural heritage · Flexibility (engineering) · Narrative · Newspaper · Public engagement · Value (mathematics) · China's Ethnic Minorities and Relations · China's Socioeconomic Reforms and Governance · Chinese history and philosophy