Sanxingdui, the ruins of the capital of the ancient Shu, a kingdom over 4.000 years ago, is located in Guanghan City, 40 km apart from Chengdu. It is recognized as one of the most important ancient remains in the world for its vast size, lengthy period and enriched cultural contents. 

A farmer discovered the first Sanxingdui relics in 1929 and excavation has been continued ever since. During this period, generations of archaeologists have worked on the discovery and research of the Sanxingdui culture. In 1986, two enormous altars from the Shang dynasty, the top copper statue of the world - bronze human figures and a gold mask were found. They aroused widespread academic attention around the world. Among the relics excavated, six pieces are evaluated as national treasures. The ancient casting art of bronze was found to be on a par with that unearthed in Terra-Cotta warriors and Horses pit of Qinshihuang Mausoleum.

The Sanxingdui finds are exciting, but they remain enigmatic. No texts have been found, nor is there any mention of this culture in the records of other countries. Analysis of lead and other elements in the bronzes indicates sources similar to those of other cultures along the lower reaches of the Yangtze River. At this point, however, the unique culture that produced these artifacts remains a mystery.