Under the initiative, Xie said, "we are making efforts to enhance our common cultural gene of mutual understanding and trust. That is to build up a community of a shared future of mankind".

Next year will also see Chinese national treasures displayed in more Belt and Road economies.

"Cultural heritage is now a crucial part of diplomacy, serving a bigger picture to enhance people-to-people connectivity," Xie said.

In 2017, China had 23 cross-border cooperative projects in 16 nations for conservation of historical sites or archaeology.

In Kathmandu, Nepal, the Chinese Academy of Cultural Heritage began to lead restoration of the nine-story Basantapur Tower at Durbar Square in August. The area, built in the 17th and 18th century and once an important tourist destination, was destroyed by an earthquake in 2015.

"The aid was not only for restoration of architecture, but also focused on reviving the livelihood of the local community," said Lu Qiong, an expert with the State Administration of Cultural Heritage. "It is also a shared concern of our overseas counterparts."

Early this year, the administration said China would create facilities to serve as a safe haven for temporary custody of endangered relics in conflict zones. Xie said the new institution, at the National Museum of China, will begin operating soon.