Exhibition highlights encyclopedia's links to Suzhou

A literature exhibition on the Yongle Dadian, or Yongle Encyclopedia, and its connection with Suzhou, Jiangsu province, opened on June 27 at the Suzhou Library.

Commissioned by Emperor Yongle of the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) with the aim to include comprehensive knowledge such as on astronomy, geography, religion and arts, the encyclopedia consists of 11,095 volumes compiled and edited by thousands of ancient scholars.

According to the Suzhou Library, historical records confirm the participation of more than 30 Suzhou scholars in the compilation, reproduction and preservation of the encyclopedia.

Comprising five parts of compilation, structure, restoration, history and research, the exhibition includes textual resources, images and artifacts, coupled with interactive devices that showcase the encyclopedia and the contribution made by Suzhou scholars.

In the first 10 days of the exhibition, for the first time the original volume on the Chinese character su is on display, which has close connections with Suzhou.

The exhibition runs until Nov 30, during which period the library will also host lectures and experiential events about the encyclopedia.