(China Daily)
Updated: 2007-12-25 07:42

Preserving ancient treasures will trigger a sense of pride and responsibility in the people, says an article in Qilu Evening News. The following is an excerpt:

Last Saturday, Nanhai No 1, a merchant ship of the Song Dynasty (AD 960-1279), was lifted out of the South China Sea. The ship will be housed in a special museum.

According to reports, the authorities have spent nearly 300 million yuan ($39.5 million) on exploration and protection of the ship submerged hundreds of years ago.

Many are discussing whether the value of the relics in the ship would cover the huge expenditure. The value of the relics should not be seen in economic terms.

The ship itself is the oldest and biggest of its kind ever found in the world. The technology used in building the ship might prove China's leading position in ship construction nearly 1,000 years ago.

Experts estimate there are more than 80,000 relics in the ship, which could be precious material for researchers of history, sociology, archeology and culture.

This can never be measured by money.

Moreover, the prudent exploration of the ship proves that China has developed its technology remarkably in recent years. Decades ago, it was difficult to imagine that Chinese scientists and engineers could undertake such complicated task on their own.

The pride and confidence triggered by these advances are also impossible to calculate in financial terms.

Looking at the ship laden with such treasures, many may feel proud of the wisdom of our ancestors, and a sense of national identity.

(China Daily 12/25/2007 page10)