The 29th National Book Expo got underway in northwest China's Xi'an on Sunday. As the ancient city once played a prominent role in the Silk Road, this year's show has as its theme, "Reading Along the New Silk Road."

More than 1,200 publishers and book dealers from across the country are at the event, with over 200,000 titles on display.

One section is dedicated to publishing cooperation among Belt and Road countries. Another features new publications marking the 70th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China this year, including one on the father of China's space program.

Many publishers are turning their focus on national achievements over the past seven decades. It is a subject matter that merits extensive and in-depth research. "My company has produced a new biography of Mr. Qian Xuesen. It is more than an account of his service to the motherland. You can also see his excellence as a scientist and an explorer," says Huang Jian, president of Jieli Publishing House.

The expo staged a grand opening under the centuries-old city wall of Xi'an in the presence of cultural officials from the city and Shaanxi Province. Performances featured songs, dances and recitations from ancient and contemporary Chinese classics.