Khai buried a 1,300-year-old tomb of the Chinese prince

The creation of the Custom era

Archaeologists in northwestern Shaanxi province discovered a tomb some 1,300 years ago in Tongguan county, and excavated a large number of precious creatures in the tomb.

Located in Shuicun village, 10km northwest of Tongguan county, the tomb was built in the Tang Dynasty (581-618). Archaeologists have discovered 72 m2 of frescoes that are still intact, and excavated more than 200 pieces of artifacts including many pottery and a stone coffin.

The 2-storey tomb has a semicircle of 5 m high and 6 m in diameter. Four walls were painted with noble women, and the ceiling was adorned with silver points, symbolizing the stars. A white strip across the ceiling shows the galaxy.

The road to the tomb is 21 m long and 2 m wide, with the side walls covered with drawings depicting 46 people on a trip. A large stone casket, 3 m long and 2 m wide, is located to the southeast of the room. The coffin is carved with celestial objects, monsters and complex patterns.

Archaeologist Li Ming at the Archaeological Research Institute in Shaanxi Province, said the grave belonged to a member of the royal family, possibly the crown prince. The grave has been stolen many precious artifacts, including epitaphs.

According to experts, the paintings on the walls and stone coffins have provided valuable information to study the development of painting in the Sui dynasty and then to the Tang Dynasty (618-907).