SW China's Xizang identifies over 3,300 new cultural relics via national survey

LHASA -- Southwest China's Xizang autonomous region has discovered 3,346 new cultural relic sites during the second phase of the fourth national cultural relics census, raising the region's total to 7,623, its regional cultural relics bureau said Thursday.

The survey, which began in April 2024, covered all county-level units across Xizang. Significant findings include rock paintings in Sagya county, located at an altitude of 5,303.8 meters, making it the highest-altitude discovery in terms of newly recorded relics in China.

Newly documented relics span ancient tombs, architectures, cave temples, stone carvings and modern historical sites. Special investigations were also conducted in 21 border counties -- adding 254 relics related to territorial defense and the garrisoning of borders.

Authorities, notably, plan to expand efforts in documenting relics in ancient urban areas.