Sanxingdui relics

A sacrificial altar are among a treasure trove of 13,000 relics dating back over 3,000 years discovered by archaeologists in southwest China. The relics -- many made of gold, bronze and jade -- were unearthed in six sacrificial pits at the Sanxingdui archaeological site, near Chengdu. The Sanxingdui culture left behind no records. It is thought to be part of the ancient kingdom of Shu. It ruled in the western Sichuan basin along the upper stream of the Yangtze River until it was conquered in 316 BC.

Researchers found a turtleshell-shaped box made of bronze and jade. It's the first time such an object has been found.

In 2021 a partial, 3,000-year-old ceremonial mask weighing over half a kilo of 85% pure gold was found. A gold scepter is the largest ever found in China from this period.