The book cover of Opera in Ink and Wash. [File photo]

Twenty-five kinds of books, including Shuimo Xiju (Opera in Ink and Wash) and The Empire of the Written Symbol for Children, from 18 publishers nationwide have been called "the most beautiful book in China" on Monday, and will compete for "the most beautiful book in the world" in 2017.

The event "the most beautiful book in China" was established in 2003 and hosted by the Shanghai Municipal Press and Publication Bureau. The event invites top book designers worldwide as judges to select the most beautifully designed books which reflects the spirit and essence of Chinese culture.

The "the most beautiful book in China" selection has become a major platform leading fine Chinese book designs and designers to the world. So far, 15 kinds of Chinese books have been honored the laurel of "the most beautiful book in the world".

Opera in Ink and Wash is a book which introduces Chinese opera art through ink and wash paintings. The four parts of the book are wrapped up with different colored papers, resembling curtains on the opera stage. The illustrations in the book reveal the traditional Chinese esthetics and pay respect to the Chinese opera art. The Book of Bugs, designed by Zhu Yingchun, which wins multiple awards including this time, has no characters at all in the whole book, and only has the trail of bugs crawling by with ink on their feet. The book is like a calligraphic album of the nature, which is quite interesting.