By CGTN’s Yu Fengsheng, Luo Chen

A press conference last week showcased the excavation of the buried treasure of Zhang Xianzhong at Minjiang River in China's Sichuan Province. Excavation efforts are ongoing, with more and more gold and silver items having been uncovered.

Archaeologist showed the public of their latest excavations achievements at the press conference, saying over two thousand relics have been found since the official archaeological excavation began in January. The items included a large amount of gold, silver and bronze coins as well as some exquisite jewelries from the Ming dynasty.

Zhou Chunshui, a researcher from the State Administration of Cultural Heritage, said “The Zhang Xianzhong site is very special. It has been buried underwater for over 300 years and it is the first site we have ever encountered that has required such a large amount of excavation. We have used machines to dig in the core region, however we can only use manpower at the bottom of the site, which is where we have found most of the relics."

Zhang Xianzhong was the leader of a peasant uprising that occurred during the late Ming Dynasty. Born in 1606, Zhang sought to establish his own dynasty as the Ming era was coming to an end. Legend has it that in 1646, Zhang was defeated by Ming Dynasty soldiers while attempting to transfer his large haul of treasure southwards. Many boats load with treasure were said to have sunk in the skirmish.

Li Boqian, Executive Director of the Archaeological Society of China, said "The excavation is very important. So far the unearthed relics have proved that Zhang Xianzhong and his army had fought with Ming Dynasty soldiers from the lower reaches of the Yangtze River to Jiangkou, trying to establish his own dynasty. It gives us much new information which is quite different from the history books."

According to the State Administration of Cultural Heritage, the excavation will continue during the Yangtze's dry season and is expected to be finished at the beginning of April.