Photo Essay: Mysteries Remain at Famed Chinese Archeological Dig

Some 40 kilometers (25 miles) north of Chengdu, on the south bank of the Yazi River, there is a 12-square-kilometer (4.6-square-mile) site of remarkable historical significance. It is the Sanxingdui Ruins, considered one of the greatest archaeological finds of the 20th century.

Three years ago, excavation was restarted at what is the largest archaeological site in southwest China. As of September, more than 15,000 relics had been excavated from six newly unearthed pits, according to Lei Yu, head of the Sanxingdui Site Work Station. Of the recovered relics, 4,060 were in relatively intact condition, Lei said.