Important site of the Middle Neolithic Yangshao culture in China. It was occupied periodically, suggesting slash-and-burn agriculture. In the upper level, dated c 2800 BC, fine pottery was made with designs of arcs and dots, showing some connection with earlier Yanshao cultures (e.g. Banpo) but the Miaodigou painted designs, monochrome or painted in black over a red or white slip, are entirely abstract. The most sophisticated Miaodigou patterns have running spiral designs and close affinities with Majiayao in Gansu. The second level, dated c 3900 BC, has unpainted pottery and includes many shapes virtually unknown to the Yanshao tradition, such as tripods with solid or hollow legs.