The Hulijia site is a subject of archaeological researches on ancient sites within the Guanting Basin, Minhe, and was excavated in 1999 in an area of 500 sq m. It lies on the third terrace in a basin of the Yellow River valley, and contains principally remains of the Miaodigou period. There are ash-pits, fire-places, house-foundations, pottery-making kilns and tombs. Among the abundant objects unearthed are red-painted stone tools, perforated pottery vessels, and the remains of animal heads buried during foundation laying ceremonies. The implements of production are rather coarse and consist mainly of chipped stone tools. The stone and bone ornaments are made fine, such as a precious stone adorment and bi discs. The other noteworthy finds include a terra-cotta human figure, carbonized millet and domestic horses's teeth. The pottery vessels show typical features of Miaodigou period forms and painted decorations. The site represents the earliest Neolithic culture known so far in Qinghai province. Its excavation is of great importance to studying the then culture in this region.
