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SHANGHAI, Dec. 13 (Xinhua) -- Four ancient tombs were unearthed by workers digging at a construction site in Shanghai on Monday, according to Song Jian, director of the Archaeology Department of Shanghai Administration of Cultural Relics.

The one-meter deep tombs were discovered between East Daming Road and East Changzhi Road in the North Bund district.

The stone coffins are exquisitely engraved, said Song, quoting the construction workers.

Workers also found a porcelain pot, but its handle is missing.

According to Song, the tombs may belong to a noble family from the Ming dynasty (1368-1644), as the site on the Huangpu River used to be a popular residential area for wealthy feudal lords.

Further excavation is needed to determine when they were made, he added.

Construction on the site has been suspended and archaeologists are coordinating further excavation work.

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