Ancient sites get a new life

Meanwhile, Shi hopes to turn the nearly 7 hectare area around the site into a tourist destination for visitors to see archaeological work in spite of the fact that the area is earmarked to be part of a wildlife park.

The proposal was recently approved by the local government, but the details are still to be worked out.

"How unique and interesting the zoo will be if we build a small archaeology theme park in it," says Shi.

According to his plan, visitors will be able to see archeologists work in a laboratory at the site besides visiting a museum, which displays artifacts unearthed from the tomb.

"We've taken a lot of effort promoting cultural relics in Luoyang," he says. "However, nothing will be more effective than if we can allow the public to see the treasures and make them a part of their daily lives."