Extensive tomb complex unearthed in suburban Beijing

(Photo/Xinhua)

A massive tomb complex has been found in a southwest suburb in Beijing, the Beijing institute of cultural heritage said on Sunday.

The 70 hectare archeological site consists of 129 tombs built over 1,100 years, spanning from the East Han Dynasty (25-220)to Tang Dynasty (618-907) and Liao (907-1125).

Some of these tombs have exquisite murals depicting people and furniture, and artifacts found so far have included pottery, porcelain, lacquerware, and other funeral paraphernalia.

Archeologists say the complex is a rare discovery due to its size, time span and location.

The site was discovered due to a planned residential complex slated for construction on top of the site. A 2014 municipal cultural relics protection measure mandates that all plots of land must be screened for relics before development.