Archaeologists started excavations at Bairencheng, an ancient city dating back 2500 years, located in Xingtai, Hebei province, north-eastern China.

The site is one of the largest preserved ancient cities in China. The city belonged to the state of Zhao during the Spring and Autumn Period (771 to 476 BC) and following Warring States Period (770-221 BC). It covers 4 square kilometres and was fortified on three sides by walls 8017 meters in length, with its north side bordered by the Zhihe River. The walls of the city, built with rammed earth like the Great Wall, are preserved to an average of 2 to 6 meters in height. The excavations are scheduled to end in 6 months.

(after Mou Yu & China Daily)