The cliffs with ancient paintings are scattered along the source of the Yangtze River in Yushu Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture. The archeologists believe, the paintings were created some 2,600 years ago. There are drawing of human figures, primitive vehicles, wild and domestic animals and a variety of symbols.
Jamyang Nyima, the head of research institute of history and culture in Yushu, says the discovery will help pore light on artistic and cultural traditions of the people who inhabited the region. It will also provide researchers with information on human history and religion over the ancient Qinghai-Tibet Plateau.
Cliff paintings along the shores of the Tongtian River are found relatively often. Till today, 59 sites with 3,400 cliff paintings were discovered there. The area where three major rivers originate in Qinghai Province – the Yangtze River, Yellow River and Lantsang River – is called the Three-River Source Region and is believed to be a mystical place of "sutra bridge" and "Gyiana Mani stones".
China's largest inland saltwater lake, Qinghai Lake, is also located in Qinghai. The area is rich in natural resources and is home to colorful Tibetan culture.
More Ancient Cliff Paintings Discovered in Tongtian River Basin
News in Asia
Ancient cliff paintings probably dating back to the 6-7 century BC were discovered by Chinese archeologists. Eight sites of cliff paintings are located in the Tongtian River Basin in northwest China's Qinghai Province.