Surveying ancient sites in Shandong, China On the basis of the distribution of pottery sherds [broken pieces of pottery vessels] on the ground surface, we learned that Liangchengzhen is much larger than other sites with an area of 246 hectares. Given its large size and the concentration of finely made craft goods there, we believe that Liangchengzhen was a regional center. The smaller, outlying settlements in the vicinity probably provided goods and services to the center.