A large-scale neolithic site, including a rare cave dwelling, has been unearthed in northwest China's Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, sources with the regional institute of archaeology said on Tuesday.

Archaeologists have been working on the site, which is located in Shatang Township, Longde County, since July 10, said Fan Jun, head of the archaeological team.

Up till now, over 400 square meters of the site, including seven ancient house remains, six half crypts and a cave dwelling have been excavated, Fan said, adding that the excavation is expected to be complete by the end of October.

"The cave dwelling is an important finding from the site as it is rare to see such an intact and well-preserved building site dating back to the neolithic times between 4,300 and 5,300 years ago," Fan said.

The finding is helpful for research on the production forms of ancient humans and their way of life, he said.

Along with the ancient building sites, pottery, stone tools and bone tools have also been unearthed. Judging from these ancient utensils, archaeologists believed the neolithic site could be traced back to about 4,500 years ago.

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