Prehistoric tomb discovered in south China's island province

Archaeologists sort soil samples collected from the Luobi Cave relic site in Sanya, south China's Hainan province, Nov. 8, 2025. A prehistoric tomb dating back between 12,000 and 13,000 years was discovered in south China's Hainan province, which is believed to be the earliest tomb found on the island.

The tomb, discovered at the Luobi Cave relic site in Sanya's Jiyang District, belonged to a child who was buried on his or her side with bent limbs. Shell ornaments were found near the head and waist, believed to be the earliest of their kind in China, offering valuable insights into Hainan's prehistoric culture and its cultural exchanges with Southeast Asia. (Xinhua/Guo Cheng)