A cluster of ancient tombs has been discovered in the eastern part of Jinan, the local archeology institute reported on July 7.

The cluster includes 12 tombs dating back to the Yuan Dynasty (1271-1368), one from the Han Dynasty (206 BC-220) and 12 from the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911).

Eleven of the tombs from the Yuan Dynasty have exquisitely carved brick murals and the written evidence found suggest they belonged to a family surnamed Guo. The scale of the tomb cluster is the largest among the unearthed brick mural tombs of the Yuan Dynasty in the province.

Over 60 pieces of pottery and porcelain wares, bronze mirrors, copper coins and other cultural relics were unearthed during the excavation and they will help with the study of porcelain from the Yuan Dynasty reign in the region and the surrounding areas.

The eastern part of Jinan is also where the Daxinzhuang ruins were unearthed in 1950s. Daxinzhuang is the largest of Shang Dynasty (c.16th century-11th century BC) archaeological sites in Shandong.

A view of an unearthed tomb. A cluster of ancient tombs have been excavated in the eastern part of Jinan. [Photo/VCG]

A tomb with exquisitely carved brick murals from the Yuan Dynasty. [Photo/VCG]

A close-up of the mural painting on the wall of unearthed tombs [Photo/VCG]