"Why did we pay? Because our museum is committed to protecting cultural heritage not only of China but of the world. With Afghanistan deep in war and strife, there's no place safer for the treasures, including many gold accessories and wares dating back to two to three millennia ago, then on the road. So they toured several countries, including Britain and South Korea, before arriving in China. And we did our utmost to provide them with a temporary home and to help raise their stature."

Later last year the treasures also visited the Dunhuang Grotto Museum.

The Afghanistan exhibition is neither the first nor the last to arrive at the Palace Museum, whose beforelife as the royal residence for Chinese emperors during the Ming and Qing dynasties has given it a halo unattainable for almost all other Chinese museums.

"Last year we had an exhibition about Qing emperors at the Grimaldi Forum in Monaco and are expecting one from them showcasing their own royal heritage," says Ma, who is closely involved in the project.

"I'm sure that some people here have heard about Grace Kelly, the Hollywood actress-turned Princess of Monaco, but apart from that, very little is known about the principality. As a result, they are very adamant about mounting this (coming) show in China, in a venue they consider could further enhance what the place is always known for: royal glamour."

Ni Yi, of Zhejiang Provincial Museum, says there is an increasing tendency among museum curators to forge ties that tap into the common history of China and other countries.