Structure N.3. The remains of a large timber framed building, circa 4th century, Niya, north of Minfeng. This building, thought to have contained government offices, is the largest such structure at Niya. The walls are shattered by wind and time but the wooden frame still stands and the remains of the wattle walls can still be seen. It was from this structure that Stein unearthed a wooden altar or table that now graces the collection of the British Museum.Niya occupies a vast area beside the dried up bed of the Niya river _ as much as 30km north to south and 5km east to west. To reach it requires a journey by jeep and camel, north from the town of Minfeng (New Niya) across 100kms of lifeless, post-apocalyptic wilderness. During visits in 1901, 1906, 1914 and 1931, Stein unearthed extensive remains at the site indicating that it was once a major commercial centre on the Southern Silk Road.