China has added 1,516 ancient written works to a list of national literary relics, including the world's first paper map and oracle bone inscriptions.

Of the documents, 286 are written in ethnic minority languages, the National Library of China said Thursday.

A map produced during the Western Han Dynasty (202 BC - 9 AD) that was discovered in 1986 was added to the list, providing evidence that China invented papermaking, as it is the oldest paper map discovered thus far, the library said.

Ancient literary works included in the list have been better protected, said Zhang Zhiqing, deputy curator of the library.

Sixteen libraries or institutions were selected as key literary relic protection units, including four in Tibet. Endi

Go to Forum >>0 Comment(s)