Customs museum opens

Starting on March 30, entry to the China Customs Museum will be free to the public. This will mark the first time that various antiques, fossils, products made of endangered animals and plants, and smuggler's tools have been exhibited, the Beijing Evening News reported.

The exhibits include wares made of porcelain, bronze, bamboo and wood as well as textiles, ancient currency, calligraphy and paintings. The most ancient object is a bronze sword of the Warring States period (475BC-221BC).

All items were intended to be smuggled, but were instead confiscated by Chinese customs officials. The museum also exposes various smugglers' methods. For example, in the 1980s, smugglers used to hide expensive watches in coconuts.