Zhang Xuegen and his collections. [Photo/WeChat account: jrgs1921]

Zhang Xuegen, a 69-year-old retiree from Gongshu district, Hangzhou, considers his collection of over 20,000 pieces of old newspapers and magazines as precious artifacts with historical significance.

Zhang recently opened a newspaper exhibition in the city, displaying his collections of over 110 newspapers and magazines recounting the development of China sports industry over the past century.

Zhang said he started collecting newspapers in June 1996, when a relative's child asked him to find the masthead. He sorted out more than 200 kinds of newspapers and has since then started collecting duplicates.

Over the past 26 years, Zhang has collected more than 100 kinds of newspapers issued during the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911), 600 kinds from the Republic of China (1912-1949), and more than 10,000 kinds since the founding of the People's Republic of China. The collection spans 337 years and fills 24 bookshelves in his home.

"Today's news is tomorrow's history. By collecting newspapers, I can read history, which makes me wise and has helped me forge an indissoluble bond with Chinese sports," Zhang said.

"My current exhibits are not just newspapers and magazines, but also carry history, culture and memories. I hope that from these old newspapers people can better understand the development of sports in China and our increasing national strength," Zhang said.

Zhang takes a photo with the souvenir edition of Yangcheng Evening News on celebrating the 2012 London Olympic Games. [Photo/WeChat account: jrgs1921]