BEIJING, May 17 (Xinhua) -- An exhibition dedicated to precious cultural relics from various periods in the history of Gansu, northwest China, opened Thursday in the National Museum of China.

Comprised of nearly 700 pieces or sets in total, of which there are 322 first-class national cultural relics, the exhibition presents various aspects of Gansu's history and culture, including the prehistoric Dadiwan Culture, Gansu colored pottery culture, Helong bronze culture, early Qin culture and Xirong culture, Hexi culture during Han, Wei, Jin and Tang dynasties, Silk Road culture in Gansu, multi-ethnic culture and Buddhism culture.

Among all exhibitions ever held domestically by Gansu Province, this boasts the largest number of heritage pieces and the highest proportion of precious items.

Cultural relics on display include pottery, jade, bronze, gold and silver, wood, silk fabrics and paper products. Among them are those that can best represent Gansu history and culture, like world-famous painted pottery of the Majiayao Culture in Gansu.

The exhibition is set to run until July 21.