Archaeologists have discovered eight relics including an iron box believed to contain a hair from Buddha in the first excavation of the famous Lei Feng Pagoda near Hangzhou's West Lake.
The discovery has caused a sensation among mainland scholars who have long suspected that the site in Zhejiang province includes a cellar under the temple where the most precious relics would be hidden.
The archaeologists dug down about 2.5 metres into the foundations of the ruin and found a stone tablet weighing 1.5 tonnes. After taking 40 minutes to lift the tablet, workers found the cellar undisturbed by thieves.
Following a day of excavations, the team found the remains of a sitting Buddha statue carved from stone, several inscribed Song Dynasty copper mirrors and bronze coins.
The eight items so far recovered also include an iron casket 30cm wide and 45cm high believed to be intended to preserve the Buddhist relic. It has not yet been opened.
The archaeologist heading the dig, Li Yuxin, said he expected to make further discoveries in the next few days.