Ancient book museum ready to open its covers

The world's only remaining manuscript of Zizhi Tongjian.

Li was confident that "the 54 elite pieces (of Dunhuang manuscripts) shown this time will create new conceptions." About 16,000 pieces of the total 50,000 manuscripts are now in NLC's possession.

Li also discussed that establishing the museum, focusing on interactions with visitors and use of new media, has changed its management style to being a public service organization as well as an academic institution.

"I have seen many exhibitions of oracle bone scripts and stone rubbings in China, but they generally contained too much information and jargon, which are hard for the public to understand. However, if we teach the audience to make their own rubbings and create interesting but informative topics on salons or lectures, different results will come," he said.

If You Go:

Hours: 9 am to 4:45 pm (closed Mondays) starting Aug 1. Admission is free.

Group reservations will begin on July 27 via telephone 010 8865 4757 or website www.nlc.gov.cn/nmcb/index.htm