Terracotta drive to preserve cultural relics

THE Shaanxi Government plans to form a huge tourism company to raise funds for managing its rich cultural relics.

The company, to be called the Terracotta Tourism Group, is expected to be formed this year, and will handle management rights for Xian's museums and other tourist attractions, including the famed Terracotta Warriors.

But the proposal has met resistance from a preservation body which objects to the commercialisation of the relics. Yue Renhua, director of the Shaanxi Province Securities Commission Office, said: 'The Provincial Bureau of Cultural Relic Protection has reservations towards the project.

'We have to explain to it that it is not a sale of the terracotta figures for commercial use.' He said better management of relics would provide more funds desperately needed for their recovery, protection and exhibition.

Mr Yue said the aim was to make the company China's first internationally known tourism group. Beijing's approval was being sought to issue A shares (for mainland investors) and B shares (for foreigners) once the group was formed.

'Once we have formed a good company, we can ask Beijing to approve our share plans as proof of their support for the development of mid and west China,' Mr Yue said.

The Terracotta Tourism Group would also oversee hotels, restaurants, entertainment centres and shopping arcades.

Mr Yue said the group's most valuable assets would be the management of museums housing the Terracotta Warriors and other cultural relics.

'By grouping all these facilities under the same 'roof', we will have a comprehensive tourism group,' he said.

He said the most difficult task initially facing the group would be the transfer of assets from their original owners.

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