June 16, 2009--The Ancient Book Exhibition kicked off Sunday at China's National Library in Beijing. Around three-hundred rare manuscripts are on display to the public, free of charge.

A book written in 399 B.C. is proving to be the most popular. It is also the most ancient item among all the exhibits on display.

Lin Shitian, the vice curator of China's National Library said, "The book reflects the history of the Buddhist religion back then at the Dunhuang Grottos. It was discovered by Wang Yuanlu, who gave the book to the local officials as a gift."

The Ancient Book Exhibition is the largest of its kind since the founding of the People's Republic of China. The 300 rare pieces were collected by nearly one hundred organizations around the country. Experts say many of the books are the only existing copies and are of high historical significance.

The exhibition runs through July the 3rd, free of charge.