Archaeologists discovered more than 50000 relics during excavations at the Ruins of Yuanmingyuan, known also as Old Summer Palace, in Beijing, China, destroyed by English and French troops during the Second Opium War (1856-1860).

The ruins, located in the Yuanmingyuan Park were once a a royal garden of the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911) and was known for its variety of greenery, exquisite architecture and many works of art. The ongoing archaeological excavation unearthed numerous artefacts, including bronzeware, jadeware, and pottery. Among the artefacts is a gilding elephant head. The ongoing excavations started in 2013 and are bound to last to 2020.

(after CGTN, People’s Daily Online & Global Times)