A newly revised Law on Protection of Cultural Relics is set to commence on Saturday, marking a pivotal moment in the safeguarding of China’s cultural heritage. The National Cultural Heritage Administration has emphasised that this revision is a vital step towards formalising effective practices into law, enhancing the governance capabilities in cultural heritage management. The law, now containing eight chapters and 101 articles, is seen as a robust framework reflecting the government’s strong commitment to heritage conservation.
This marks the second update of the legislation since it was first introduced in 1982 and previously amended in 2002. Chen Xingcan, president of the Archaeological Society of China, highlighted that the new law effectively addresses the evolving needs of the cultural relics sector. Its intricate details suggest it may remain relevant for the next decade without significant changes, reaffirming the government’s significant focus on cultural heritage protection.
President Xi Jinping has actively underscored the importance of safeguarding cultural relics, stating that historical heritage is invaluable and irreplaceable. Since 2012, he has issued numerous directives and personally visited over 100 historical sites, advocating a balanced approach to urban development while preserving heritage. In line with these principles, the revised law mandates pre-construction surveys in historical urban areas, ensuring archaeological assessments are conducted before any major developments.
The revision also heralds a sharper approach to protecting cultural relics through increased penalties for violations, significantly raising fines for damages from 500,000 yuan to a staggering 10 million yuan. Additionally, the law aims to safeguard underprotected immovable cultural relics, which comprise 80% of the country’s heritage sites, numerous provisions are introduced to enhance their status and management, reflecting the urgency of cultural relic protection.
Song Yan, deputy director of the Nanjing Museum Administration, noted that the revisions introduce vital regulations for museums, stimulating efforts to actively engage with youth and integrate cultural relics into modern life. Educational programmes and exhibitions enrich public interactions with heritage and promote awareness among younger generations, responding to Xi’s vision of keeping cultural relics ‘alive’.
Wei Xiaolong, director of the Famen Temple Museum, expressed enthusiasm for the incorporation of advanced technology to enhance the preservation of fragile historical artefacts, as the law fosters innovation in museum practices. The revised legislation facilitates global collaboration in archaeology and reinforces the commitment to repatriate stolen or unlawfully obtained cultural relics, ensuring the integrity of heritage practices.
The law explicitly bans the trade of illegally sourced cultural relics while instituting stringent measures for auction houses to ensure transparency and protect provenance. This approach is anticipated to cleanse the cultural relics market, curbing illicit activities and enhancing museum acquisitions. Furthermore, it encourages donations, allowing for a renewed connection between the public and their cultural heritage, fostering a deeper appreciation of collective history and cultural identity.
The newly revised Law on Protection of Cultural Relics in China, effective Saturday, aims to enhance the protection of cultural heritage with updated regulations, stricter penalties for violations, and technological integration. It signifies the government’s commitment to preserving historical relics and addresses both legal governance and modern societal needs in cultural heritage management.
The newly revised Law on Protection of Cultural Relics marks a significant advancement in the preservation of China’s cultural heritage. Emphasising rigorous preservation protocols, heavier penalties for violations, and the integration of modern technology, it reflects an evolved commitment to sustainability and historical integrity. This legislative enhancement not only protects artefacts but also bridges the gap between the past and contemporary society, fostering a renewed cultural respect and engagement.
Original Source: www.chinadaily.com.cn
