The tomb of one of the most infamous emperors in Chinese history was unearthed in a construction site in Yangzhou city, close to a fake tomb that had become a tourist attraction, archaeologists said.

The eastern city's institute of archaeology confirmed on Sunday that the tomb, in Xihu township, Hanjiang district, belonged to Yang Guang, who brought the Sui Dynasty (AD 581-618) to an end but also accomplished several major construction projects, including the Grand Canal and the reconstruction of the Great Wall.

According to Shu Jiaping, director of the institution, Yang's tomb lacked the usual splendor of the wealthy in the Sui dynasty, due to his sudden death during a revolt.

Articles used by members of the royal family, including a jade belt decorated with a gold and lion-shaped buckle, were found in the tomb.

Archaeologists also believe that a neighboring tomb found at the same time might belong to Yang's queen.

The discovery of Yang's tomb means that another tomb, which is about 6 km away from the site and described as Yang's tomb since the Qing Dynasty (AD1644-1911), is not genuine, Shu said.

The construction site has been closed for monitored excavation.