Beijing customs handed over more than 17,900 antique and archeological items confiscated in recent years to the city's cultural heritage authorities on Friday.
The objects include porcelain, coins, jade, paintings and calligraphy, as well as ancient books, many of which have important research value, according to the Beijing Municipal Administration of Cultural Heritage.
The oldest pieces date back to the Neolithic Age. All objects will be kept at museums in the city.
Guan Qiang, deputy director of the State Administration of Cultural Heritage (SACH), said at the hand-over ceremony that customs and cultural heritage authorities have cooperated for many years and prevented the loss of a large number of relics.
Last year, SACH and the General Administration of Customs signed a memorandum on joint supervision of entry and exit of cultural heritage.
