New law strengthens protection of cultural relics

The newly revised law of the People's Republic of China on the Protection of Cultural Relics will officially take effect on March 1, 2025. Upholding the principles of "protection first, enhanced management, value exploration, effective utilization, and bringing cultural relics to life", it aims to promote a deep integration of cultural heritage protection with modern society.

The law significantly increases penalties for violations, raising the maximum fine from 500,000 yuan ($68,700) to 10 million yuan ($1,373,400), and details protection measures for unclassified immovable cultural relics, filling previous legal gaps. For the general public, the new law clarifies reward mechanisms for reporting discovered cultural relics, encourages public participation in preservation efforts, and advances the digital display of cultural heritage, allowing more people to experience the charm of cultural relics up close.

The new law supports the interpretation of cultural relics' value and promotes research into the origins and development of Chinese civilization. It also facilitates international exchanges and cooperation in archaeological work, restoration, exhibitions, scientific research, law enforcement and judicial matters related to cultural relic protection. It asserts the right to repatriate lost cultural relics and actively fulfills obligations under international conventions.

Since its promulgation in 1982, the Law on the Protection of Cultural Relics has undergone one revision and five amendments, establishing the basic legal system for cultural relic protection. It has played a crucial role in clarifying the management system, ensuring the safety of cultural relics, and promoting their rational utilization. The implementation of the new law enhances public cultural confidence and engagement, fostering the inheritance and innovation of China's outstanding traditional culture.

Video editor: Liu Yuxiang