265-yr-old stone tablet found in North China

An ancient stone tablet dating back 265 years ago was found in North China's Hebei province, local authorities said.

Archaeologists believe the stone tablet was erected in the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911) during the reign of Emperor Qianlong, according to the cultural relics protection department of Nanhe county.

The tablet, which is 245 cm tall, 92 cm wide and 26 cm thick, was found in Dongguan village of the county. With a 416-character inscription, the tablet recorded the scale and renovation of the "Kuixing" building, which provided a place for ancient intellectuals to pray for blessings.

"The Kuixing building is no longer in existence," said Xiao Lina with the department.

Xiao also noted that the discovery of the stone tablet will provide valuable materials for the study of the culture, architectural style and folk customs of the Ming (1368-1644) and Qing dynasties.