Ancient tombs uncovered near subway station in Beijing

A cluster of ancient tombs has been discovered at a construction site in Dongcheng district in China's capital.

The cluster of tombs at a construction site in Beijing's Dongcheng district on Sunday, October 20, 2019. [Photo: IC]

The tombs were uncovered at a construction site about 1.2 kilometers south of Tiantan Park, which is close to Jingtai station on line 14 of the Beijing subway.

Archaeologists excavating the cluster of tombs at a construction site in Beijing's Dongcheng district on Wednesday, October 23, 2019. [Photo: IC]

About 70 tombs have been unearthed so far, and archaeologists are still working on the remaining tombs. A small amount of copper coins, porcelain jars, and other cultural relics have been found in the tombs.

Officials believe the tombs belong to civilians from the Ming and Qing dynasties (A.D. 1368-1912). Exactly when the tombs were established will be determined by further study of the burial objects and the geology of the tombs.

An unearthed tomb at a construction site in Beijing's Dongcheng district on Wednesday, October 23, 2019. [Photo: IC]

Beijing has rich archaeological resources thanks to its long history. It was China's capital during the Yuan, Ming, and Qing dynasties.