BEIJING, July 9 -- China is to restrict its art troupes from performing at prestigious venues abroad, claiming that many do so not for artistic merit or profits but as marketing stunts.

In order to "get gilded," more and more art troupes have staged performances or exhibitions at world-famous performance centers like Vienna's Golden Hall in the name of "cultural exchange," the Ministry of Culture said on Wednesday.

But, rather than attempt to draw profitable crowds, they usually rent venues at their own expense, give away tickets for free or even pay audience members to attend.

Some have even appropriated government funds to organize such events with the aim of winning media profile, a practice which has not only wasted human resources and money but tarnished the artistic dignity of the country, the ministry said in a statement.

In China, art troupes that have toured abroad are seen as elite.

According to the ministry, it will take various measures to improve regulation and supervision over art groups, especially those who go abroad on public business, and stop such an "extremely bad" phenomenon.