Chinese archaeologists have discovered a 375-year-old tomb dating back to the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) in Zhangjiakou city, Hebei Province.

The brick tomb was discovered in Baofuzhuang village of Xuanhua county, said an expert, and it is believed to be a major tomb of the dynasty.

Archeologists also excavated some historic artifacts from the tomb chamber with 5.1 meters in length, 4.8 meters in width and 4.2 meters in height, including gate bricks carved with ancient characters, religious sculptures and four coffins.

Seen from a coffin cover, the tomb was occupied by a couple, experts said, adding that the couple both died at age between 80 and 90.

This discovery will provide valuable material for the study of northern China's history, culture, and folk customs of the period.

(Xinhua 04/16/2001)