12 underwater cultural relics sites discovered in South China Sea

Twelve underwater cultural relics sites were discovered in South China Sea.

The sites near Xisha Islands contain ancient pottery and porcelain wares, copper coins and boat parts, Xinhua quoted the Hainan cultural heritage bureau as saying Sunday.
 
The Xisha Islands consist of a cluster of about 40 islets, sand banks and reefs.

In ancient days, many Chinese merchant ships struck the reefs and sank while sailing to Southeast Asia, India and Middle East, leaving treasures and cultural relics in the sea.