State tightens rules for relics auctions

BEIJING - Any replica of an ancient relic can be auctioned, but not when it is advertised as an authentic original piece, the State Administration of Cultural Heritage (SACH) reiterated in a notice published on its website on Thursday.

The notice was the result of a recent discussion organized by the country's top cultural heritage administrator in an attempt to further regulate the country's booming auction market in ancient relics.

"The booming market in ancient relics has played a positive role in promoting the country's cultural development and luring back from overseas looted or smuggled relics," said the administration's deputy director Song Xinchao at the country's biannual meeting on the management of the auction market in ancient relics, which was held in Nanjing, capital of Jiangsu province, on Jan 11.