Old books published in foreign languages are one of the highlights at the National Museum of Classic Books'opening exhibition. [Photo by Wang Kaihao / China Daily]

The National Museum of Classic Books has officially opened to public in Beijing. This is the first museum of its kind for the country.

Rare Western books on display

The facility's current exhibition features rare items from the collection of the Chinese National Library, where the museum is housed.

Chen Hongyan is the deputy director of the newly-opened museum. "The collection of these classic books enables the public to understand how Chinese culture passes down."

Over 800 pieces make up the collection and range from three-thousand-year-old oracle bones to contemporary calligraphy manuscripts.

Located in the South Area of Chinese National Library, the museum opens from 9am to 5pm from each Tuesday to Sunday.