Feng Jicai, a famous Chinese writer and painter, appreciates the collection in Tianjin's Wuqing district. [Photo/fsxglaq.com]

Cultural relic experts from both sides of the Taiwan Straits have recently assembled in Wuqing district of Tianjin to appreciate the historical and artistic value of Buddha statues donated by Taiwan collector Andy Yeh.

Yeh, both an art collector and a socialite, attended the event in hopes that the Wuqing administration will assist him in returning these Buddha statues, including 23 Buddha heads and nine complete figures, to their hometowns.

Yeh's donation is the third time that cultural relics owned by Taiwan collectors have been donated to the Chinese mainland. His donation, however, offers the largest number of items so far and covers the longest time span in Chinese history.

Experts examined the statues, with 3D renderings of the statues on hand, and discussed their artistic value.

"This event will not only enhance cultural communications across the Straits, but also serves as a milestone in the process of returning scattered cultural relics to China," said Zhang Yong, Party committee secretary of Wuqing district, adding that the event is an important cultural event between the Chinese mainland and Taiwan.

The Wuqing administration initiated the "Return of Buddha Heads" campaign as soon as they received Yeh's donation, establishing a website (http://www.fsxglaq.com/) and an official weibo account ("Foshouxungen"). With the help of local administrations, the campaign has also been extensively promoted in Henan and Hebei provinces.

Reporters from Approaching Science (a program on CCTV dedicated to covering science stories), People's Daily Online, Fujian Straits TV and other media covered the event.