The staff shows the donation of the hand coloring old photo of Yudai Qiao (Jade Belt Bridge). [chinanews.com.cn]

The Summer Palace received more than 2,000 cultural relics from the late Qing Dynasty on Monday, its first non-governmental donation. Beijing Royal Garden and Art Creative Industry said most of the pieces were from auctions, while a small number were from private collections.

More than 1,300 pieces are photographs of the Summer Palace, including the oldest known panorama of the site. There is an also aerial photograph of the Summer Palace during the Republic of China years (year). Other works include nearly 200-years-old postcards, Chinese and foreign books, newspapers, posters, maps and tickets.

Summer Palace officials said the relics will help with the restoration projects, which will be completed later this year.

"Among the heritage, six old, original images of burned Qingyi Park [the former Summer Palace], which were first discovered and are priceless, will contribute to the maintenance of ancient buildings", said Qin Lei, director of the Summer Palace's Cultural Relics Department.

These relics will be on display to the public after they are sorted out.

(China.org.cn January 13, 2010)