A forklift driver discovered a 1,700-year-old tomb in the east China province of Zhejiang this week.

Xinhua News Agency reported Chinese archaeologists have unearthed a tomb complex dating back to 220AD to 280AD. The complex was discovered by the forklift driver at the building site for a refuse dump.

The 1.6 metre-wide, two metre-deep and five metre-long tomb has already been excavated in the Dongqiao township of Ningbo.

"Figures embodying fish, beasts, dragons, phoenixes and money can be seen in the wall of the grave," said Ding Yofu, a member of the excavation team. "They are incredibly refined and clear cut."

Excavation is expected to be conducted in the surrounding 5,000 square metres, where archaeologists believe lie five more ancient tombs.