Datong in North China’s Shanxi province will move its two newly excavated ancient mural-decorated tombs as a whole to the province’s Yungang Grottoes for renovation, according to the city’s relics and archeology research institute on July 19.

Mural is painted on the wall in the ancient tomb excavated in Datong, Shanxi province. [Photo/dtnews.cn]

“Yungang Grottoes Research Institute has set up a studio especially for these murals. The repairs will start immediately after the facilities attain constant temperature and humidity,” said Zhang Zhizhong, head of Datong relics and archeology research institute.

In April, Datong?discovered two ancient tombs from the Liao Dynasty (916-1125), which were decorated with colored murals. The murals covered 10 square meters on the tombs’ walls, depicting scenes from the owners’ lives, such as playing musical instruments and feasting. They are masterful in painting and meticulous in composition, and important for studying the history and society of the Liao Dynasty.

Yungang Grottoes, a masterpiece of rock architecture and one of the three most famous ancient Buddhist sculpture sites of China, is also located in Datong.

Two archaeologists work in the mural-decorated tomb in Datong, Shanxi province. [Photo/dtnews.cn]