A man in his late 20s in Jiaxing, East China's Zhejiang Province, has attempted to sell his soul on Taobao, the nation's top online auction site, attracting bids from some 58 soul-searching buyers before the posting was pulled.

The auction came as Chinese people are observing their Qingming Festival, a traditional holiday when many travel to their ancestors' graves to clean them and offer gifts to the spirits.

Porter Erisman, spokesman for Taobao's parent Alibaba.com said, "After reviewing our policies, the posting was taken down Friday."

Erisman said Taobao wasn't opposed to the idea of soul selling online, but wanted more proof that the seller could provide the goods. Also they can consider selling if permitted by "higher authority".