SHENYANG, Feb. 22 (Xinhua) -- Chinese archeologists have discovered the ruins of a large structure, believed to be built some 1,000 years ago, in northeast China's Liaoning Province.

Located in Longgangzi, Beizhen City, the ruins were part of a tomb complex for imperial families of the Liao Dynasty (916 - 1125), according to Liaoning Institute of Cultural Relics and Archeology.

Facing southeast, the structure has a rectangular shape with a bulge on its front. There is a terrace to the east, according to Xu Zheng, an expert with the institute.

The discovery is of value in determining the layout of imperial tombs, as well as identifying the locations of underground palaces, Xu said.

Among the ruins of the structure, archeologists discovered colored glazed tiles, grey pottery tiles and pieces of embossed stone fences and pillars. A large amount of ironware was also found.

The Liao Dynasty was founded by the nomadic Khitan and ruled the northern part of China.