China's first Collection Culture Expo has opened in Beijing.

Over 10,000 pieces of precious calligraphies, paintings and curios are on display.

Most of the items are from personal collections, including a dragon screen made of amber with an estimated value of 1 million Yuan.

Collectors from Taiwan have also attended the expo, presenting jade and porcelain articles worth over 10 million  yuan.

Some 600 articles totaling 40 million Yuan will be auctioned off next Tuesday at the China World Hotel.

(CRI.com November 20, 2004)