HARBIN, June 1 (Xinhua) -- Archaeologists have discovered 18 ancient relics sites covering a wide range of historical periods near the Suifen River in northeast China's Heilongjiang Province, according to the provincial cultural heritage institute.

An archaeological team headed by the institute conducted a one-month investigation of 127 sites along the Suifen River and found 18 new sites.

The sites cover a range of historical periods, including the Paleolithic, Neolithic, Bronze, Early Iron ages, Liao (916-1125), Jin (1115-1234), Yuan (1271-1368), Ming (1368-1644) and Qing (1644-1911) dynasties.

"The investigation helps us draw a clear picture of the distribution of ancient sites along the Suifen River, and provides materials and academic support for studying the historical development of the area," said Zhao Yongjun, head of the institute.

The Suifen River is 443 km in length, 258 km of which is in China, and empties into the Sea of Japan through Russia.