The Xinjiang Cultural Heritage Administration and research institutions in the region welcome international cooperation in the research and protection of archaeological cultural heritage sites unearthed since 1949.

The Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region in Northwest China, which was a busy trade area on the ancient Silk Road, is the location of a number of important relic sites that bear evidence of clashes and convergence among the ancient Chinese, Gandhara, Classical Greek and Roman civilizations.

The dry climate and broad desert conditions favor the preservation of relics.

Unearthed fabrics usually still have their original colors and well-preserved bodies are often found.

"Since the 1950s we have unearthed large numbers of artifacts, well-preserved bodies and many pieces of fabric, but we have never had enough researchers to classify them and undertake the required work of preservation," said Sheng Chunshou, head of the Xinjiang Cultural Heritage Administration.

"For example, a great many wooden tablets inscribed with passages in the long-dead Kharoshiti language are still waiting to be deciphered," he added.

He said foreign research institutions and foundations are welcome to participate in research on the unearthed relics.

"We used to say no to such co-operation, but now we are enthusiastic about it," he said.

He also said the administration was eager to exhibit relics from Xinjiang abroad.

(China Daily March 12, 2004)