An exhibition of ancient books and the many successes in protecting them will begin on May 26, the National Library of China announced on May 22. 

More than 200 precious ancient books will be displayed, including 61 special reference books from the National Library. Only accredited researchers had access to these treasures in the past. They'll now be on show for the first time in the first-floor exhibition hall.

The month long exhibition is sponsored by the Ministry of Culture and entry is free.  Opening times are between 9:00-16:00 daily.

As well as 218 books from the National Library, valuable volumes from libraries in Shanghai and Tianjin among others will be on display. 

Zhan Furui, director of the National Library said the exhibition was the first large-scale event of this kind the government had held since the establishment of the People's Republic of China in 1949. It was also the largest ancient book exhibition ever to be held by the National Library. All exhibits are above the second-class status and 60 percent of them are considered to be first-class, including the 465-word incomplete draft of History as a Mirror by Sima Guang.

Noticeable publications include the master copy of Complete Works of Chinese Classics, the engravings of Tripitaka from Song (960-1279), Yuan (1279-1368), Ming (1368-1644) and Qing (1644-1911) dynasties, part of books and maps unearthed from Dunhuang caves.

Zhan emphasized that the exhibition of nearly 30 ancient maps and atlas is unique both at home and abroad. Also on show for the first time will be all the 21 types of Tripitaka collected by the National Library. 

(China.org.cn by Li Xiaohua, May 25, 2006)