The recognition of the “Xiaohexi culture” at the Yushushan and Xiliang sites in Aohan Banner

<p indent="0mm">Since their initial excavation, the Yushushan and Xiliang sites in Aohan Banner have been identified as belonging to the Xiaohexi culture. The primary basis for this attribution was the restoration of three sandy reddish-brown cylindrical jars, regarded as typical artifacts of the Xiaohexi culture. However, the relatively limited number of unearthed remains—especially restorable pottery specimens—and the absence of a diagnostic assemblage of typical artifacts have directly hindered a definitive assessment of the cultural affiliation of these sites. Through a comprehensive review of the published materials and settlement patterns from both sites, combined with references to their absolute dates, this paper reveals that the cultural features of the Yushushan and Xiliang sites differ significantly from those of other sites clearly attributable to the Xiaohexi culture. Instead, they show closer affinities to the Zhaobaogou culture, while also possibly containing a small number of late Xinglongwa cultural remains.