A pottery figurine from the Tomb of Emperor Yang in Yangzhou,Jiangsu province.Photo Provided to China Daily

8. Tomb of Emperor Yang of the Sui Dynasty (AD 581-618), Yangzhou, Jiangsu province

The last emperor of the Sui Dynasty is probably one of the most notorious tyrants in Chinese history, though recent academic studies have portrayed a more neutral image of this controversial figure, who ordered the construction of the Grand Canal.

The two tombs were believed to belong to this emperor and his queen, due to the unearthed remains, epigraphy and valuable sacrificial items.

About 600 sacrificial items were discovered, among which some have strong local characteristics particular to Yangzhou. They are different from those from the Sui Dynasty's capital city of Daxing (today's Xi'an). One 13-knot gold-and-jade belt is the only complete belt of its type ever found in China. It is an example of the highest-level belt available in that time period. Bronze bells from the Sui Dynasty were discovered for the first time.

"The findings prove relevant historical recordings and offer much first-hand information about high-level tombs in that period of time," says Shu Jiaping, head of the Yangzhou Municipal Institute of Archaeology. "It will greatly enrich the cultural significance of Yangzhou."