Bactrian bounty

[Photo by Jiang Dong/China Daily]

"They locked the treasure away and jammed the locks, so nobody could open the vaults."

They then refused to tell the Taliban where the treasure was.

Museum officials shared the secret of the treasure with the world in 2003 after the Taliban lost power.

"It was a joyful moment in Afghanistan's history," says Mosazai.

In 2007, artifacts from the Bactrian hoard began to be exhibited around the world. They've been brought to more than 20 museums, attracting more than 2.5 million visitors.

"We take the exhibition around the world as it is an example of the common heritage of humanity," says Mosazai. The ambassador says the exhibition will tour other museums in China.

"This exhibition is a chance for us to show the real image of Afghanistan as an unparalleled center of cultural exchanges," he adds.