Great archaeological progress has been made in the excavation of the large-scale ruins and the tombs of noble lords of the Zhou Dynasty (771-221 BCE) in Liangdai Village of Hancheng, Shaanxi Province (China). Great quantities of various treasures with a history of more than 2,800 years have been discovered through the initial excavation of the three large graves and one chariot and horse pit. They include 30 bronze ritual articles, more than 600 articles of bronze fishes, chariots and horse tools, rare and precious gold wares, and lacquer wares. Besides, there are more than 6,000 agate and clay beads and more than 1,300 seashells.

Source: People's Daily Online (19 December 2005)