Chinese archaeologists have discovered many cultural relics in an ancient tomb dating back to the Northern Song Dynasty (960-1127) in Shaanxi Province.

Located in an urban area of Shangzhou City and buried five meters underground, the tomb chamber is 3.6 meters high and 2.8 meters wide.

On the walls and floor of the tomb chamber, which were made of bricks, delicate carvings were found with Buddhist features and patterns of windows and coins.

Among the china and bronze utensils unearthed from the tomb, a celadon incense burner for household use and a china vessel for brush-washing are the most valuable due to their outstanding shape and color.

The Song Dynasty is well known for its unique techniques in china making, said an archaeologist, adding that the discovery will provide scientific data for studies on the architecture and culture of the period.

(Xinhua News Agency October 31, 2001)