Ancient tomb found in north China

Chinese archaeologists discovered a burial tomb for a noble that could date back to the Liao Dynasty (916 to 1125 AD), in north China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, authorities said Friday.

The tomb, 300 meters from the tomb of a concubine, is in Duolun county, according to the regional institute of archaeology.

"They are in the same valley. Its owner may be a key member of the concubine's family," said Gai Zhiyong, deputy head of the institute.

Currently, archaeologists are removing the tomb door, which is made from crystal-like bricks and its passage features black bricks. Gai said the delicate decorations inside the grave show the high rank of this noble. Similar decorations have only been found in two Liao Dynasty tombs, and both were high-ranking nobles.

The Liao Dynasty was founded by the Khitan tribes and ruled the northern part of China.