A cultural crossroads across time

The writer believed the purpose of compiling this book was to ultimately become a "man of virtue" by learning from other cultures, she adds.

Other precious ancient texts on display include Xinan Yi Zhi (Chronicles of the Yi Ethnic Group in Southwest China), a Qing-Dynasty book about the ancient Yi people's understanding of human origins and the universe, and political, economic and cultural aspects of ancient Yi society.

"This is the only existing copy of the book now," says Tao. "As a paper artifact, there are strict requirements for its exhibition, so we rarely display it."

Another rare exhibit is the bilingual Tibetan Buddhist canon, Kangyur, printed in the Tibetan and Mongolian languages in the Qing Dynasty. Only eight Mongolian copies exist worldwide, and it has been on the national-level precious ancient books list since 2008, Tao says.

"In the past, only researchers read it when they carried out studies," Tao says. "This is the first time for it to be displayed to the public."

Contact the writer at wangru1@chinadaily.com.cn