The local government will invest nearly 120 million yuan (US$14.46 million) to restore a 3,500-year-old ancient capital ruins in Zhengzhou, capital of central China's Henan Province.

The project will be launched in 2005, according to Zhengzhou Municipal Cultural Relics Department, focusing on capital wall protection and major temples restoration.

Zhengzhou was listed as one of China's eight ancient capitals by China Ancient Capital Society, following the discovery of an ancient city foundations built 3,500 years ago in the area.

Archaeologists discovered the ruins of the ancient city wall, which was seven kilometers long, 20 meters wide at the base and five meters wide at the top. The foundations of several palaces were discovered in the northern and northeastern parts of the city.

Other discoveries include ruins of pottery kilns and workshops where bronze ware was made for the imperial family and a large amount of bronze ware stored in three large pits, which are believed to have been used by the royal family in sacrificial services.

The ruins are located in urban Zhengzhou and cover about 25 square kilometers.

A prototype in China's ancient capitals, Zhengzhou played an important role in linking the Xia Dynasty (2100 BC - 1600 BC), Shang Dynasty and Western Zhou Dynasty (1100 BC - 771 BC).
 
(Xinhua News Agency December 25, 2004)