2017's major archaeological finds in Beijing

Discoveries made in Yuanmingyuan are highlights among archaeological finds in the Chinese capital this year.

Many key sites were unearthed by major urban-construction projects.

Indeed, 67 finds totaling more than 66,000 square meters were discovered, Beijing Archaeological Research Institute deputy director Guo Jingning says.

"That's roughly equal to the size of nine regular soccer fields," Guo says.

"About 3,000 ancient tombs, 140 porcelain kiln sites and 16 ancient roads were protected."

For example, over 1,000 tombs spanning from the Warring States Period (475-221 BC) to the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911) were found in a 30,000-square-meter area in Tongzhou district.

The sites of roads, houses and handicraft workshops were found among the Luxian ancient city relics, also in Tongzhou.

A Qing family graveyard with 228 tombs was found in Daxing district as crews prepared for the construction of Beijing's new airport.

About 2,000 cultural relics, including gold, silver and porcelain wares, were found this year at the site for 2019 International Horticultural Exhibition in Yanqing district.

"The findings offer crucial references to study lifestyles, geography and social changes in Beijing," Guo says.

"They also provide evidence of a mix of different ethnic groups here in ancient times."