Archaeologists have discovered what is believed to be the first full version of one of China’s most important early literary works, the Book of Songs, in an ancient 2,000-year-old royal tomb. The manuscript, carefully written on bamboo slips, was found in the burial site of Liu He, the Marquis of Haihun, in eastern China’s Jiangxi Province.
The discovery is being hailed as one of the most remarkable literary findings in decades, offering valuable insight into ancient Chinese culture and education. Experts say this copy of the Book of Songs is the only known complete version ever found. Known in Chinese as the Shijing, the text holds deep historical value, forming the roots of Chinese poetry and Confucian teachings.
Ancient text fully preserved on bamboo slips
Using infrared technology, researchers confirmed the manuscript includes all 305 poems and over 7,000 lines, matching the content described in historical records. The writing appears on bamboo slips, a common material used before the invention of paper.
Each slip is about 9 inches long and less than half an inch wide, containing 20 to 25 characters. They were neatly strung together with cords, showcasing the writing techniques and preservation skills used during the Han Dynasty.
Archaeologists have confirmed the discovery of China's first ever-known complete version of the "Book of Songs" on bamboo slips from the Qin (221-207 BC) and Han (202 BC-220 AD) period, dating back some 2,000 years. #CulturalJourney https://t.co/m4M332MdHE pic.twitter.com/icmdYrT0Qq
— China Daily (@ChinaDaily) November 10, 2025
According to Yang Jun, head of the excavation team from the Jiangxi Provincial Institute of Cultural Relics and Archaeology, the find is an important milestone in understanding early Chinese literary tradition. The text is believed to have been used as a teaching manual during the Western Han Dynasty, a time when Confucian classics were central to education.
Yang Bo, a researcher from the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, explained that the bamboo slips were stored in a well-sealed space, which helped protect them for over two millennia.
A glimpse into Han dynasty education and politics
The tomb’s owner, Liu He, was not just a nobleman but a brief ruler who once held the imperial throne. He became emperor in 74 B.C., but was removed after only 27 days, reportedly due to a lack of leadership skills. Despite his fall from power, he was later named Marquis of Haihun and given a title and land in what is now northern Jiangxi.
Liu He was known to be a student of the Book of Songs, which adds personal significance to the text’s presence in his tomb. Experts believe this edition was likely the same version he studied, creating a direct link between the manuscript and the historical figure who owned it.
The discovery of the Book of Songs follows earlier findings in Liu He’s tomb, which include gold coins, jade artifacts, and silk texts. However, researchers say this manuscript stands out due to its cultural importance, helping scholars understand how moral values and knowledge were passed down through generations.
Cultural and historical legacy of the ‘Book of Songs’
The Book of Songs, compiled between the 11th and 7th centuries B.C., contains poetry that reflects the daily life, traditions, and politics of early Chinese society. As one of the “Five Classics” of ancient China, it has long been attributed to the teachings of Confucius and continues to influence Chinese literature and philosophy today.
Scholars emphasize that this complete copy not only preserves a historic literary treasure but also provides a clearer picture of China’s early education system and its methods of transmitting culture through writing.
The find deepens modern understanding of China’s intellectual history and strengthens the connection between past and present through its preserved literary heritage.