A Chinese mainland delegation of cultural relics protection arrived in Taipei Sunday to attend a cross-Strait seminar on ancient architectural studies.

The 20-member delegation, headed by Shan Jixiang, director of the State Administration of Cultural Heritage (SACH), was the highest level of mainland relics delegations to visit the island for more than 10 years.

Composed of officials and scholars, it was also the biggest in number.

The seminar, slated for Nov. 25 to 26, is organized by the Taiwan-based Sheen Chuen-Chi Cultural and Educational Foundation and the Taiwan University of Arts.

Shan is expected to address the seminar on architectural heritage protection. And experts from across the Taiwan Strait will discuss issues including ancient village investigation, ancient architecture maintenance as well as ancient architecture protection in quake-affected areas. The delegation will also visit local museums and heritage sites.