Ancient books unveil chapters of history

The 700-odd newly titled treasures embrace a wide variety of styles.

Li Zhizhong, the chief expert of the appraisal committee for candidates of the list, explains the books are basically categorized into four varieties, following the traditional classification of books in ancient time: Confucian classics (jing), history (shi), writings on various philosophies and religious scriptures (zi), and poetry and literature (ji).

Nevertheless, he adds that other varieties like maps, books written in languages of non-Han ethnic groups, stone rubbings, writings on silk pieces or bamboo or wooden slips, among others are also included.

A colorful map of Beijing, drawn during the reign of Daoguang (1821-50), has a detailed and comprehensive recording of the capital's road networks, city layout, princes' mansions, government offices, and other key landmarks.