The popularity of investing in China is spreading to the country's market for antiques. It's more than just investment for the newly rich. It's also a passion, and a learning experience. The Chinese art market is booming. The robust economy has made many people rich and that is boosting the value of ancient art collections. David Xiao is a 50-year-old business tycoon. He leads a very simple life, but is quite generous when it comes to his biggest hobby - collecting art. David Xiao said, "Money is not important to me. When I make decisions, even if they might involve millions or even a billion, I don't care." With his wealth, Xiao has turned his home into a museum filled with ancient Chinese paintings and antique Buddhist statues. He also has preserved tea leaves that date back more than 200 years. In total, Xiao says his collection is worth millions of dollars. Many of his collections have been brought from overseas. He says his aim is to bring back antiques that have been taken away throughout the ages and return them to China. Xiao is a frequent visitor to art auctions. He says collecting art is more than an investment to him. Xiao said, "Whenever I face great pressure at work, I always take a look at the arts, then the stress will go away, and I have great joy by doing this." Spiritual enjoyment and investment, these two key elements drew thousands of buyers, investors and observers to this year's autumn art auction. Ma Zhefei, assistant manager of Poly Auction Company, said, "Along with the development of China's economy, more people have accumulated more money, so they want higher spiritual enjoyment. Art is one of the highest spiritual pursuits. The habit of art collecting has been resumed just as in the old times. On the other hand, some people think of it as a new way of investing, as well." Nearly 90 million yuan worth of goods were sold in the auction, double the amount of two years ago. The most expensive Chinese artwork so far was a Ming Dynasty hand scroll painting, which was sold in Beijing for more than 74 million yuan. Although it is still a market for the elite and rich, experts say many more people are likely to spend their money in this area, or at least show an interest in art collecting.