Banpo Museum

Banpo (5000-3000 BCE) is one of China's most important Neolithic sites — a Yangshao-culture village discovered 1953 and preserved as an on-site museum. The most famous find: the matrilineal-society evidence (women's tombs more elaborate than men's, indicating matriarchal lineage), painted pottery with the iconic 'human face fish' design (on Chinese textbook covers), and house foundations preserved exactly as found. Entry ¥65. Metro Line 1 to Banpo Station drops you 5 min walk away. Most foreign tourists skip; it's a great half-day for archaeology fans who already have a base in pre-history. 90-min visit covers everything well.