LHASA, Dec. 23 (Xinhua) -- Southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region has conducted 42 systematic archaeological excavations since 2021, unearthing key findings about human activity on the plateau dating back 100,000 years and solid evidence of long-standing cultural ties with central China, according to a press conference held on Tuesday.

These projects focused on major historical issues such as human, agricultural and husbandry origins on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau and the region's connections with the Central Plains region, covering 19 ancient sites and tombs with a total excavation area of 8,100 square meters, said Xu Shaoguo, deputy director of the regional cultural heritage bureau, at the press conference on the region's cultural heritage progress during the 14th Five-Year Plan period (2021-2025).

Research indicates humans reached the plateau around 100,000 years ago, with widespread Neolithic cultures emerging about 5,000 years ago, said Xie Xuwei, another official from the bureau. The use of bronze and iron began around 3,800 and 2,800 years ago, respectively, according to Xie.

Artifacts such as silk fabrics and tea leaves discovered at various sites provide direct proof of sustained cultural exchange and trade between Xizang and the Central Plains throughout history, Xie added. ■