In October, the 2021 International Antique Art Fair opened in Beijing Tianzhu Free Trade Zone. The fair showcased about 3,000 exhibits from 15 countries and regions with a total value of nearly 5 billion yuan ($784 million). A number of foreign museums and collectors participated in the fair along with their collections. Such a large fair of antiques and artworks marked the first of its kind held in a comprehensive bonded zone in China.

Such a large exhibition of foreign antiques is enabled by favourable taxation policies in the comprehensive bonded zone. Collectors don't have to pay high tariffs and thus can enjoy low exhibition costs.

Beijing Tianzhu Free Trade Zone has been exploring favorable tax policies on cultural products for 7 years. Currently, the area accounts for one third of imported artworks and half of imported antiques in China. Against this backdrop, Beijing is becoming a crucial platform for the exchange of international antiques and artworks as well as a main port of overseas returned cultural relics.

(A tapestry dating back to the mid-Ming Dynasty is being restored in Leshi Cultural Relics Restoration Center.)

（A professional is repairing a piece of bronze ware.）

(Reporter: Wang Kexin)