Tombs discovered near UNESCO World Heritage Site in Pingyao

A bird's eye view of the excavation site of the two ancient tombs near the Ancient City of Pingyao. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

Archaeologists discovered two tombs from the Eastern Zhou Dynasty (770-256 BC) and the Jin Dynasty (1115-1234) respectively in Pingyao county in North China's Shanxi province, between October and early November. 

The archaeological excavation was led by the Shanxi Provincial Institute of Archaeology and the ancient tombs were only 800 meters away from the eastern wall of the Ancient City of Pingyao, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. 

The tomb from the Jin Dynasty is seen on the left and the tomb from the Eastern Zhou Dynasty is on the right and below. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

The upper part of the Eastern Zhou Dynasty tomb was found destroyed while a rectangular vertical tomb chamber under it was left undamaged, with 10 relics, including pottery and jade ware, unearthed.

The round Jin Dynasty tomb found lying on top of the Eastern Zhou Dynasty tomb was better preserved. The tomb for a couple consists of a gate, a passage, a tunnel and a chamber and seven items including porcelain and pottery were unearthed. 

The two ancient tombs are earlier underground cultural relics excavated near the Ancient City of Pingyao, which offer important evidence that help recount Pingyao's over 2,000-year history, according to archaeology experts.

Pingyao's authorities are currently drawing up plans to protect the tombs and exhibit the unearthed relics.