More than five decades after its initial discovery, an archeological site in Dali dating back more than 3,000 years ago is suspected of being the world's largest Neolithic dig, according to a China Daily report.

The site, located on the banks of Jian Lake in Jianchuan county, Dali prefecture, was first discovered in 1957 by workers digging a canal, but excavation at the site – which has to date yielded more than 3,000 artifacts – only began in earnest in January of this year.

In addition to pottery, iron implements and bones, the site features more than 2,000 wooden poles dug 4.5 meters into the ground.

"I was shocked when I first saw the site. I have never seen such a big and orderly one. This could be only a small fraction of the actual community that existed at the time," China Daily cited Yan Wenming, history professor at Peking University, as saying.

The Neolithic period began about 10,000 years ago in the Middle East and is considered to be the end of the Stone Age. It is marked by the emergence of rudimentary agriculture and ended with the appearance of metal tools, either bronze or iron, depending on the part of the world in question.

Yan said the site is already bigger than the Neolithic site at Hemudu in Zhejiang province, which is considered to be the cradle of the Yangtze River civilization. Other similar in China have also been found in Hubei and Guangdong provinces.

"Right now there is also such a site being excavated in Switzerland. But that site is smaller than the one in Yunnan. The Yunnan one could be the largest in the world," Yan said.

Twenty-eight excavations have been made at the Jianchuan site, covering a total of 1,360 square meters. Min Rui, a Yunnan Archaeological Institute researcher leading the excavation, said the area may eventually cover 4 square kilometers.

Image: China Daily

Still searching for a major breakthrough in Monday's bus bombings on Renmin Xi Lu which left two dead and 14 injured, Kunming police have tripled the reward for clues leading to the arrest of the individual or individuals behind the attacks.

According to Kunming media reports, the biggest lead in the case that's been made public so far is that an individual suspected of involvement in the blasts was seen on the first bus to explode at 7:05 am on Monday carrying a bag with the Longsheng Pu'er Tea (龙生普洱茶) logo on it – see image above.

Kunming police have stated that the identity of anyone providing clues related to the bus bombing case will be kept strictly confidential. Anyone with information related to the case can call 110, stop by the police station at 76 Renmin Zhong Lu or call the station at 3387940 or 3623404.

Meanwhile, with Beijing less than three weeks away from the opening of the Olympics, officials are addressing reporter questions about bus security in China's capital.

"We have already taken measures and we will increase security. I hope that all people can support us," Liu Shaowu, Beijing Olympic security director, told reporters, according to a Reuters report.

"We need to step up security measures in all areas for the safety of the bus system," he said.