An exhibition hall displaying the development history of ancient Chinese boats was opened, Wednesday, in Quanzhou of southeast Fujian Province.

The 1,500 square-meter hall collects more than 160 genuine and copies of these kinds of boats. Among them are ceramic boats made 7,000 years ago, the world's earliest helm and various ancient war ships.

Experts here say that the exhibition shows China's contributions to the development of technology in boat making and sea navigation.

(Xinhua 07/19/2001)