More than a year after excavations concluded, archaeologists have revealed fresh discoveries from the Wuwangdun Tomb in east China’s Anhui Province, offering vivid insights into the diet, divination practices and aesthetic tastes of the ancient Chu state over 2,200 years ago.

Located in Huainan City, the tomb has been identified as the largest and highest-ranking Chu burial ever found, and its occupant confirmed as King Kaolie of Chu from the Warring States period.

Among the most striking finds are well-preserved bronze ding tripods, many still with their lids intact. Food remains discovered inside them provide rare evidence of royal dietary habits. As one researcher noted, the artefacts “reflect the daily life of the Chu-era people”.

The tomb has yielded more than 10,000 artefacts, including turtle plastrons used for divination. Infrared imaging revealed faint traces of the characters “Changling”, filling a long-standing gap in Chu divination studies.

Also uncovered were over 20 finely crafted objects made of spotted stone, a material later prized in imperial architecture, highlighting the Chu state’s advanced craftsmanship and lasting influence.

Source: China Central Television