China launches online treasure hunt for lost antiques

An online platform featuring information on China's lost or stolen cultural relics was launched Thursday.

People examine relics on Tuesday that were recovered in a special operation in Xi'an, Shaanxi province. [Photo/China Daily]

The platform (bdww.sach.gov.cn) is intended to help solve cases involving historical items lost at home and abroad, according to the State Administration of Cultural Heritage (SACH).

The entries will be shared with Interpol, according to Chen Shiqu, deputy director of the criminal investigation bureau of the Ministry of Public Security (MPS).

More than 2,200 pieces of information have been collected and will be posted in batches. About 200 pieces of information, including pictures and descriptions of lost treasures, have already been posted in Chinese and English.

The public is encouraged to report new information via the platform, developed by the public security department of Shaanxi Province under the guidance of the SACH and MPS.