Chinese archaeologists prepare to open 2,200-year-old coffin

Chinese archaeologists are preparing to open a 2,200-year-old, well-preserved coffin in central China's Hubei Province, which may contain large amounts of silk fabrics.

A detailed plan is being drawn up to open the coffin, excavated in the Xiejiaqiao No. 1 Tomb dating back to about 200 B.C. in Jingzhou City, said Yan Pin, director of Jingzhou Cultural Heritage Bureau.

The coffin was transported to a storehouse in the Jingzhou City Museum where archaeologists will open it on Thursday if everything goes well, Yan told Xinhua.