A world famous book exhibition entitled "The Most Beautiful Books in The World" will come to China for the first time this October, as part of the Shanghai International Art Festival.

One hundred and eighty five of the most beautiful books in the world will be showcased at the Liu Haisu Art Museum during the exhibition.

The books are all winners at the annual Book Design Competition, organized by Germany's Stiftung Buchkunst or Book Art Foundation.

The contest has been held every year since 1991 in Leipzig with the emphasis on illustrations, typesetting, printing and the cover designs.

The prize-winning works have been taken on many tours inside Germany and abroad, including the world's major book fairs in Frankfurt and Leipzig.

A Chinese book, The Picture Book of Mei Lanfang's Opera Portfolio, won the gold prize in the 2003 contest.

It is the only Chinese publication to make the pantheon of the Best Designed Books of the World.

(CRI.com May 16, 2005)