Song Dynasty tombs found in NW China

Five tombs dating back to the Song Dynasty (960-1279) have been discovered in the southern part of northwest China's Shaanxi Province, the provincial institute of archaeology said Wednesday.

They were found at the beginning of the year in Gaojiahe Village of Ningqiang County when the local government was conducting road repairs.

The five ancient tombs discovered at the site all had brick chambers, according to Li Kun, head of the archaeological team.

Excavation work carried out by the institute and the archaeological department of Ningqiang lasted from February to August.

More than 30 burial items including pottery pots, porcelain wares, bronze mirrors and copper coins have been unearthed.

Li added that the discovery of the tombs provides important materials for the study of local culture at the time of the transition between the Northern Song Dynasty (960-1127) and the Southern Song Dynasty (1127-1279).