BEIJING - The man suspected of stealing ancient relics from the Palace Museum went on trial in Beijing on Friday.

Shi Baikui, 28, confessed to stealing nine artifacts from the museum during the trial at Beijing No.2 Intermediate Court, according to the court.

Shi said he entered the museum as a visitor on May 8 and hid until the museum closed. He then entered an exhibition hall and stole the artifacts.

The stolen relics were on loan from Hong Kong and insured for a total of 410,000 yuan ($65,100). Shi dumped the artifacts after failing to trade them for cash.

Shi was arrested 58 hours after the theft, but police only recovered six of the abandoned pieces.

The court will choose another date to give the verdict.