BEIJING, Dec. 21 (Xinhua) -- A collection of more than 26,000 pieces of manuscripts written in Chinese characters, previously unearthed in the current-day Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, was recently published by the Zhonghua Book Company.

The manuscripts were part of the relics looted to Western countries in the early 20th century. Their publication marks the first time the manuscripts were unveiled to the public.

Currently part of the manuscript collection of Lushun Museum in the northeastern Chinese city of Dalian, they were considered the "last treasure" of ancient Dunhuang and Turpan manuscripts.

The manuscripts include Buddhist, Confucian and Taoist classics, as well as official paperwork from various dynasties, said Rong Xinjiang, a professor with Peking University, at a seminar held Sunday.

Rong also underlined the manuscripts' academic significance in the study of the ancient Silk Road, as well as the spread of Chinese culture in Xinjiang in ancient times. Enditem