More work needed in protecting China's relics

China has a rich and endless collection of cultural relics, but the country has gone through a difficult journey in properly protecting its countless sites and treasures. In 1982, China approved a law on cultural relics protection, and thirty years later, great achievements have been made. But there is still a tough road ahead.

Since the first law was first approved 3 decades ago, it has been revised and improved more than once. And many have made painstakingly efforts to see its implementation.

But despite the efforts, many relics are still not being protected in a timely and effective manner.

A national survey in 2011 suggests that in the past 3 decades, half of the country’s 40,000 unmovable relics were destroyed during construction projects, but that’s not the worst.

Li Jiang, Deputy Director of Relic Preservation Office, Hebei, said, "Many ancient tombs in provinces such as Hebei and Hubei have been looted at some stage in the past. Bottomless caves can be found at each tomb, local villagers even witnessed looting in broad daylight. "

The looting of tombs leads to illegal but highly lucrative profits on the black market, where stolen relics are regularly traded. But current laws on protecting relics seem somewhat weak when it comes to curbing grave robbing. In a royal mausoleum in southern Hebei, there are only 160 people working in an 80-square kilometre area, with most engaged in office work. These scholars need a helping hand, and boosts on the ground, watching over these ancient tombs.

Chen Ling, archaeologist, Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, said, "Relics need restoration work, but the lack of specialists leaves museums short handed, and many ancient buildings have been gradually damaged without proper renovation. This shortage has restricted the development of relics protection."

Experts have suggested that law enforcement duties should be made clear, and governments at all levels should make more investments in security. Researchers also urged for further regulations in the trading of ancient relics and to severely crack down on criminal activity in this area.