A group of Russian students on an exchange programme in Gansu, northwest of China, produced hand-made books on traditional Chinese culture.

After a visit to the Gansu Provincial Museum in the provincial capital, Lanzhou, Darima, a student from the Repin St. Petersburg State Academy Institute of Painting, Sculpture and Architecture, decided to make Chinese and Russian versions of the book, Thousand-hand Bodhisattva.

The hand-made books were completed in 45 days during her visit. Before leaving China, Darima, who speaks fluent Chinese, said she will take the book to her country. During her next trip, she plans to visit the Dunhuang Mogao Grottoes, also in Gansu province. Vera, another student from the same Russian school, finished a hand-made book on shadow puppets.

23-year-old Eagle who developed liking for Pan Gu, the creator of the universe in Chinese mythology, produced a book on the subject. Meanwhile, the books made by the Russian students will be exhibited in colleges and universities in Gansu.

Xu Jinlin, a book designer in charge of the exchange programme said the hand-made books will be produced in Russia to promote public understanding of Chinese culture.