Expedition uncovers Ming dynasty cave temple in SW China  

泸州深山藏明代石窟寺 古墓穴群存古夷人遗迹(图)

位于原始森林中的泸州市古蔺县桂花乡，藏着外人少有耳闻的历史故事。日前，古蔺县政府在对该乡的文物进行普查时，发现了一处保存完好的石窟寺，该文物始建于明朝嘉靖十二年，距今已有481年的历史。[查看全文]

(ECNS) -- A 481-year-old cave temple was discovered in Sichuan's Luzhou city during an archaeological exploration, the West China City Daily reported.

The temple is hidden on a mountain cliff amid primeval forests in Gulin county. Inscriptions on a stone suggest the temple dates back to the Jiajing Emperor period (1507-1567) of the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) or even earlier.

Xu Ting, a staff member of the county government, told the newspaper that the temple is well-preserved, and that the color of statues in three caves still remain surprisingly bright.

Archaeologists also found traces of ancient habitation. A tomb with human bones was discovered 200 meters from the temple.

Carved patterns on a stone door next to the tomb promise high ethnic and cultural value.