New archeological discoveries of Gansu released

Archaeologists from the Dunhuang Academy announced their findings at three sites along the ancient Silk Road on Dec 15, which will provide precious material for studying the history of the area.

Archaeologists have excavated around 500 sq m of the Ta'er Monastery Site at Suoyang City Ruins in Jiuquan, Gansu province, and have discovered a large pagoda, small tower groups and the site of a house. The unearthed relics include 35 remnants of square bricks and eave tiles.

From March to November, archaeologists have uncovered major finds at Tianwangtang, the relic site of a Buddhist tower located on a hill at the Mogao Caves in Dunhuang, after rescuing and conserving four wall foundations, nearly 30 column foundation remains and a tiled floor. More than 120 artifacts, such as tiles, mural fragments, and wooden components, have been recovered.

After rounds of excavation, the remains of two connected building walls were revealed in the Grand Archway Square of the Mogao Grottoes in Dunhuang. Striped bricks and four different lotus patterns of tiles have been preserved through laboratory methods.