Over 600 rock paintings discovered in China

Over 600 rock paintings, some dating back 2,000 years, have been found in a Tibetan prefecture in northwest China's Qinghai Province, a media report said today.

The paintings depicting animals, human figures, nature and constellations were discovered on May 5 by villagers who immediately reported the finding to the local authorities.

The government of Chindu County, Yushu Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, confirmed that 609 rock paintings had been discovered, state-run Xinhua news agency reported.

Wei Jian, deputy director of Chinese Society of Rock Painting, said the paintings were created over a wide time span with the oldest dating back 2,000 years.

One of the paintings is of a human figure waving something like a flag with left hand, and using the right hand in gesture like a salute, Wei said.

The county is located near the source of the Yangtze River. Rock paintings by ancient Qiang people during a period from 1,000 BC to the late Tang Dynasty (618-907) have been found in the neighbouring areas.

The paintings depict various activities, including hunting, herding, sexual intercourse and sacrifices.