The pictures were drawn by both Chinese and international illustrators, but with an aim to enable Chinese children to better appreciate the aesthetic values of their national culture by comparison.

For instance, some illustrated pictures from award-winning Chinese illustrator Yu Rong depict Hua Mulan, a heroine of ancient Chinese folklore. These pictures were inspired by paper-cutting artworks, a very traditional Chinese art form.

The exhibition was launched in Beijing on Thursday at the China Children's Press and Publication Group, in celebration of the upcoming Children's Day.

The event was co-sponsored by the publication group and Yourbay Library, the first professional institution in China promoting family-reading.

According to Yourbay Library founder Lin Dan, the well-received illustrations' exhibition will also be held in a number of other Chinese cities, including Shanghai, Shenzhen, Chengdu and others.