Around 20 big stones with figures carved on these and dating as far back as 16th or 17th century have been discovered recently by scientists from the Yen Bai province's museum.

The stones, measuring between two cubic metres and 50 cubic metres, were found scattered in various communes of Che Cu Nha, La Pan Tau, Lao Chai and De Xu Phinh.

Figures carved on the stones includes images of terrace rice fields, flamingos, horses, astrological maps, yin-yang and five basic elements' symbols and mysterious lines, believed to be some kind of ancient characters.

Local scientists have chosen six big stones with the most typical carved figures for further research, which will add more value to the already famous local beautiful terrace rice fields from a tourism point of view.-VNA
VNA