1,200-year-old tomb discovered in NW China

A tomb with well preserved wall paintings is discovered in Xi'an, Shaanxi province. [Photo/chinanews.com]

XI'AN -- Archeologists said Saturday they have discovered a tomb with well preserved wall paintings, dating back more than 1,200 years, in northwest China's Shaanxi Province.

The Tang Dynasty (618-907) tomb of a high-ranking official and his wife in Chang'an District, Xi'an City, is 11 meters deep and about 40 meters long, said Zhao Rong, head of Shaanxi Cultural Heritage Administration. The grave had been raided by robbers.

The murals in chamber show great skill, according to the official.

Excavation began in February this year, cleaning work is still underway along with measures to protect the artwork, said Zhao.

Xi'an, historically known as Chang'an, was the Chinese capital during a number of dynasties including the Tang Dynasty.