Chinese archaeologists have unearthed a tomb complex dating back to the period of the Three Kingdoms (220-280) in east China's Zhejiang Province early this week.

A 1.6 meters-wide, 2 meter-deep, and 5 meters-long tomb has already been excavated in the Dongqiao township of Ningbo. Inscriptions on the tomb relics clearly show it was built in 256, said Ding Youfu, member of the archaeological team.

"Figures embodying fish, beasts, dragons, phoenixes and money can be seen in the wall of the grave," Ding said. "They are incredibly refined and clearcut."

This is so far the best-reserved ancient tomb ever discovered in the region despite a crack on the roof, according to Ding. Future excavation will be conducted in the nearby area covering 5,000 square meters, within which archaeologists believe there are at least five other ancient tombs clustering near the current one, said Xie Guoqi, another member of the team..

Other objects discovered at the site include porcelain vessels, copper cash, and bronze mirrors, according to Xie.

The tomb complex was discovered by a forklift worker at the building site of a refuse dump.

The site is still under excavation by the archaeological team.

(Xinhua News Agency October 18, 2005)