Chinese archaeologists have unearthed relics of musical instruments from a complex of tombs dating back thousands of years in Zaoyang city, Hubei province, the local Chutian Metropolis Daily reported Tuesday.

A stringed instrument "Se" and a frame to hold chime bells were among the items excavated from the grave site, which is 1,500 meters long and 800 meters wide.

The plucked stringed instrument is said to be the earliest ever found in China.

Experts said the relics will help the study of musical development from the Western Zhou Dynasty (1046-771BC) to the Warring States Period (476-221BC).

Fang Qin, director of the Cultural Relics and Archeology Research Institute of Hubei province, said the discoveries, particularly the large pits for horses and weapons, challenge previous opinions about the Zeng state.

It proves that the Zeng state during the early Spring and Autumn Period (approximately 771 to 476 BC) was a big power rather than a smaller one, Fang added.

More mysteries about the Zeng state are expected to be unveiled, the newspaper said.