Briefly

First direct freight train sets off from Guizhou

The first direct China-Europe freight train service linking southwestern China's Guizhou province and Moscow started service on Thursday. Loaded with goods including guitars, electronics and ceramics, the inaugural train is expected to arrive in Moscow on Dec 3, the Guizhou Provincial Commerce Department said. There will be no transit stops along the new route, with the train set to leave China via the land port of Manzhouli on the China-Russia border. The new route is expected to cut transportation time to 15 days, compared with 53 days by sea.

Ancient tomb found at construction site

An ancient tomb believed to date back to the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) has been unearthed at a construction site in Qiuxian county, Hebei province, the local cultural relics protection department said on Thursday. The octagonal-shaped tomb was well-preserved with delicate brick carvings. Two coffins were juxtaposed at the bottom, each with a skeleton inside. Four well-preserved white glaze plates and a blue and white porcelain bowl were also unearthed.

Xinhua