2,000-year-old brown mystery liquid found in ancient Chinese tomb

Chinese archaeologists have unearthed a 2,000-year-old swan-shaped bronze vessel which they say contains more than 3 litres of a mysterious liquid.

Researchers with the Sanmenxia Archaeology Institute in Central China's Henan Province announced the discovery of the intact grave on May 21. Tests are now being carried out to determine what the liquid is, according to the Daily Mail.

The bronzeware pot, the top of which is shaped like the neck and head of a swan, was found inside a tomb along with other burial objects such as a helmet and a sword made of jade and iron.

According to researcher Yan Fei, more than 3 litres of brownish liquid was poured out from a small hole.

Though members of the public have speculated the vessel may have contained some early form of grain alcohol, Mr Yan's institute said it has invited experts from Chinese capital Beijing to test the substance before confirming anything.

A researcher with the School of Humanities at the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences in Beijing took a sample of the liquid on May 18, which is still being analysed.