Implements of Neolithic type but of uncertain date have been found in many parts of China. The Yang-shso culture, characterized by the absence of metal and the presence of painted pottery suggesting that of western Asia, existed in Honan and neighboring provinces of northern China at about 2000 B.C.
This was succeeded by a culture characterized by black pottery (in lower levels at Chengtzuyai and Anyang), which was followed in turn shortly after 1400 B.C. by the rich Bronze Age culture of the Shang Dynasty and the first written documents (as found at An-yang). In the western province of Kansu interesting but undated archaeological remains, with some suggestion of western influences, have been ascribed to the Neolithic and Bronze Ages.