Wang Shixiang, a Chinese expert on relics has been awarded this year's top Prince Claus Prize.

He is the first Chinese to win the honor for his pioneering research into Chinese handicrafts.

The Prince Claus Prizes are awarded annually to artists, intellectuals and cultural organizations for extraordinary achievements in the cultural arena.

Prince of Holland says without Wang Shixiang, some important aspects of Chinese culture would still be unknown to the world.

The Chinese expert has decided to donate all the prize of 100,000 euros, or 120,000 US dollars to a Chinese-Dutch primary school for poor children.

(CRI December 4, 2003)