SHIJIAZHUANG, Aug. 12 (Xinhua) -- A tombstone dating back more than 1,200 years was discovered in north China's Hebei Province, according to the local cultural heritage conservation department.

The square tombstone was unearthed in Chengdi Village, Lincheng County in the province. Archaeologists recognized 478 characters inscribed on the tombstone, which described the life of Liu Shenhui, the owner of the tomb, living in the Tang Dynasty (618-907 A.D.).

The inscriptions also recorded the history of his family and praised the filial piety he exercised in handling family affairs.

The tombstone provides important materials for the study of funeral customs in the Tang Dynasty, said Suo Lixia, head of the county's cultural heritage conservation department.