Archaeologists have discovered mural and lacquer paintings dating back about 1,500 years in one of 12 ancient tombs unearthed recently in North China's Shanxi Province.

The paintings and other utensils found in the tomb provide insight into daily life in the Northern Wei Dynasty (386-534), said the experts with the Datong Archaeology Institute.

Chinese immortals, warriors and scenes of traveling were subjects in the mural paintings, including pictures and inscriptions on some lacquer paintings.

The 12 tombs are located north of Shaling Village in the suburb of Datong City, Shanxi Province.

The Northern Wei Dynasty, with Datong as its capital, left many ancient tombs, grottoes and other cultural relics around the city. The well-known Yungang Grottoes lies 16 kilometers west of the city.

(Xinhua News Agency March 4, 2006)