Italy returns 796 sets of Chinese cultural relics
By Shan Xin
People's Daily app
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Chinese President Xi Jinping and Italian Prime Minister Conte on Saturday witnessed the signing of a Certificate of Transfer to return 796 sets of cultural relics to China, marking the largest repatriation of Chinese artifacts in the past 20 years.

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The colorfully painted Han Dynasty cocoon-shaped pot, pottery horses and rides as well as glazed Tang Dynasty camel are being displayed 

The batch of relics is of huge value and well preserved, spanning the Late Neolithic period over 5,000 years ago to the Minguo era, according to Wu Min, a division head of China's State Administration of Cultural Heritage. 

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Alberto Bonisoli, the minister of Italy's Ministry of Cultural Heritage and Activities, examines the relics which set to return to China during the signing ceremony on Saturday in Rome, Italy. (Photo: Courtesy of Yao Dawei)

China has docked with Italian personnel to ship the relics back as soon as possible.

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The colorfully painted Han Dynasty cocoon-shaped pot, pottery horses and rides as well as glazed Tang Dynasty camel are being displayed 

"We are looking forward to an exhibit at the National Museum of China to display the precious antiques to more people", said Italian Culture Minister Alberto Bonisoli.

During President Xi's state visit to Italy, several MoUs on strengthening cultural cooperation were signed, including the ones on the illegal entry and exit of relics and pairing the world cultural heritage sites between the two countries.