Ancient cliff tombs found in southwest China

Panoramic view of the cliff tombs of Zhongxing Village in Jintang [Credit: Chengdu Institute of Cultural Relics and Archaeology] Carving of a weapons rack and pavilion adorning tomb 206 [Credit: Chengdu Institute of Cultural Relics and Archaeology]

Medium sized tomb chamber [Credit: Chengdu Institute of Cultural Relics and Archaeology]

Copper pot [Credit: Chengdu Institute of Cultural Relics and Archaeology]

Silver bracelet [Credit: Chengdu Institute of Cultural Relics and Archaeology]

Glass earring [Credit: Chengdu Institute of Cultural Relics and Archaeology]

The cliff tombs are located in Zhongxing Village, Jintang County. Over 600 objects, including pottery, glass, silver and copperware were unearthed from the tombs, which are believed to date back between the late Eastern Han Dynasty (25-220) and the Six Dynasties (222-589), according to the Chengdu cultural relics and archaeology research institute.

The discovery has greatly enriched the archaeological materials of ancient tombs, and the artifacts unearthed provided valuable clues for the study of cultural exchanges during that period, according to Gong Yangmin, who leads the excavation team.