A granite axe is unearthed with a story from the past. An ancient tomb reveals how the privileged planned for their afterlife nearly 2,000 years ago. And in another finding, a huge ceramic jar claims a place in the Guiness World Records.

Builders stumbled upon this granite axe at a construction site in Zibo City, Shandong Province. Archeologists identified the axe as a relic from the people of the Longshan civilization, some 4,000 years ago. A small scale excavation is continuing at the site. So far, articles unearthed from the pit include three pieces of stoneware and a large collection of pottery.

Identity of ancient tomb occupant remains mystery

After digging steadily for ten days, archeologists have broken through to an ancient tomb near Hefei City in east China's Anhui Province. The tomb has a single vault with three burial chambers alongside one another. They believe the tomb is at least 1,500 years old. So far few clues have been unearthed. But, the sheer size of the tomb and the patterned bricks suggest the occupant was a member of a royal family, or a senior government official.

Red glazed ceramic jar enters the Guiness World Records

The Guiness World Records have honored this glazed ceramic jar from Chaozhou City in Guangdong Province for its grand size. The diameter is 108 centimeters, and it weighs over 140 kilograms. However, it's only 1.5 centimeters thick. The process used to fire the jar was difficult to master, meaning jars like this are a rarity.

(CCTV.com March 30, 2004)