An ancient tomb dating back to the Song Dynasty (AD420—497), has been discovered in Nanyang's Xixia county, Henan province, according to local authorities on July 26.

Unearthed by residents of the county's Shuanglong township, the tomb is 2.4 meters deep and measures 1.7 meters by 1.4 meters. Experts at the site was likely a shared tomb.

The hexagonal tomb has an arched ceiling and entrances on the southern and northern sides. The walls of the tomb are made from black brick and decorated with inlaid patterns of tables, chairs and windows, iconic of the Song Dynsaty.

Experts say that it is the first time such an intact example of a Song Dynasty tomb has been found in Xixia county, and that the discovery will lead to insights into local funeral customs and burial techniques.

Inlaid decorations of a Song Dynasty tomb discovered in Xixia county. [Photo/Chinanews.com]