NANJING — A building site dating back to the Tang Dynasty (618-907) has been discovered in Lianyungang city, East China's Jiangsu province, a local museum said on Feb 14.

Located in the north and facing the south, the structure covering approximately 1,475 square meters is believed to have been a courtyard. It had multiple rooms and features including doorway, well, corridor and platform.

The ancient structure is thought to have been constructed during the dynasty's flourishing period or in the middle Tang Dynasty. It was probably used as an administration office or temple at that time, according to the researchers.

Archaeologists determined the date of the site based on its layout and structure, and the features of the unearthed artifacts, in combination with historical documents and contemporary archaeological investigations and excavation results.

The discovery of the site may provide clue for the search of a local temple that was recorded by a Japanese monk, according to the museum.