New excavations at the Liangzhu site in Zhejiang Province, China, have uncovered a massive earthen platform that appears to be a sophisticated astronomical tool. The 5,000-year-old structure features a series of precise post-holes that align with the rising sun during the winter and summer solstices, as well as the spring equinox.
Scholars believe the Liangzhu Culture used this 'Celestial Alignment Platform' to synchronize the timing of their intensive rice agriculture. By monitoring the movement of the sun and specific constellations, the ruling elite could manage the complex hydraulic systems and labor schedules required for high-yield harvests, reinforcing the social hierarchy through ritualized seasonal management.