Centuries of history in one exhibition

Chinese folk arts and crafts have a long history and were essential items for diplomats on foreign trips in ancient times. The National Art Museum of China has compiled the very best of these works into the Chinese Arts and Crafts Exhibition, which is now on in Beijing.

Choosing what to include was truly a daunting task given the vast number of impressive creations throughout the country's history.

Covering all nine halls on the museum's first floor are 350 objects chosen from 31 provinces and regions on the mainland. They represent the first exhibition on Chinese folk arts and crafts in the museum's 46-year history.