LANZHOU -- Chinese archaeologists have discovered the largest known Majiayao culture settlement site in Lintao county, Northwest China's Gansu province, according to a joint archaeological team from the Siwa site on Tuesday.

The discovery at the Siwa site in Lintao marks the first-ever finding of a central settlement of the Majiayao culture in the past century, following seven years of excavations. The settlement site covers an area of over one million square meters and spans several centuries, said the team.

Archaeologists have also uncovered many house sites, pits, kilns, and tombs, as well as possible roads, large areas of piled earth, and other remains.

The discovery reveals the layout and significance of a large settlement from 5,000 years ago in the western Loess Plateau, highlighting the early social development and civilization of northwestern China, according to a director of the team.