NotwithstandingNotwithstanding/ˌnɒtwɪðˈstændɪŋ/L3尽管；虽然（用于引出与前述内容相反或修正的事实）。In spite of; despite; used to introduce a fact that contrasts with or modifies what has been said. the romanticised image of the Great Wall in Mao Zedong’s poetry, it is the less-celebrated Qin Great Wall that has yielded a find of profound oenologicalOenological/ˌiːnəˈlɒdʒɪkəl/L3葡萄酒学的；与葡萄酒及酿酒科学相关的。Relating to the science or study of wine and winemaking. significance. This Warring States period fortificationFortification/ˌfɔːtɪfɪˈkeɪʃən/L3防御工事；加强防御的行为；堡垒。The act of strengthening a place with defensive works; a military stronghold or defensive structure. (325–251 BC) borders the Shanjiabao cemetery in Ningxia. Excavations in March 2024 uncovered a bronze garlic-head-shaped vessel in Tomb No. 39. The container, sealed with a double layer of textile and organic clay, held 3,740 millilitres of liquid, subsequently identified as a grain-based alcoholic beverage.
Published in the *Journal of Archaeological Science*, the study led by Northwest University PhD candidate Chen Ruru confirmed the liquid was consistent with artificially aged yellow wine. Starch residue analysis revealed that over 92% of the carbohydrates originated from broomcorn millet, a drought-resistant staple cultivated for millennia. The remainder came from wheat and barley. Wang Xiaoyang, project head at the Ningxia Institute of Cultural Relics and Archaeology, affirmed this represents the most well-preserved and information-rich wine relic from the Qin state period publicly reported. The vessel’s context—a public cemetery for garrison troops—suggests it belonged to a Qin soldier who cherished his drink. His family sealed his favourite bronze wine pot to accompany him for eternity.
This discovery fills an archaeological gap in the study of winemaking in the Ningxia region. It provides a granular perspective on the brewing techniques and agricultural practices of the Qin people. Indeed, it underscores a profound north-south divergence in ancient Chinese brewing: whereas southern cultures fermented rice, northern communities relied on millet and other grains. The meticulousMeticulous/mɪˈtɪkjʊləs/L3极其仔细的；一丝不苟的；注重细节的。Showing great attention to detail; very careful and precise. analysis of the Shanjiabao vessel refines the reconstruction of ancient Chinese brewing technology. It offers a poignantPoignant/ˈpɔɪnjənt/L3令人心酸的；辛酸的；深刻感人的。Evoking a keen sense of sadness or regret; emotionally moving or touching. window into the social and military life along the border passes of the Warring States period.
