The Hu volume of the Yongle Dadian. [Photo/WeChat account: zhejiangxuanchuan]

The return of two overseas-held volumes of the Yongle Dadian, the world's largest encyclopedia, to Zhejiang reflects the province's long tradition of preserving cultural heritage and a joint effort by private collectors and public institutions to bring this national treasure home.

The two volumes, which arrived at the Hangzhou branch of the China National Archives of Publications and Culture on June 24, were purchased at a French auction in 2020 by a Zhejiang-based collector.

After years of export approvals, international transport, customs clearance, and conservation planning, the collector chose to donate the rare books for public preservation.

Compiled during the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644), the Yongle Dadian was once the world's largest encyclopedia, spanning more than 11,000 volumes. Most of the collection was lost or scattered overseas over centuries of war and upheaval, making every surviving volume exceptionally valuable.

Experts say Zhejiang's role in the books' return is no coincidence. The province has a long history of private book collecting and cultural preservation, with generations of scholar-merchants helping safeguard rare texts. That tradition continues today, with private collectors working alongside heritage experts and government agencies.

Authorities helped expedite export procedures, customs clearance, and long-term conservation, allowing the fragile volumes to reach Hangzhou as quickly and safely as possible. The National Archives of Publications and Culture will preserve, study, and digitally archive the books, ensuring they remain accessible for future generations.

Replicas of the Yongle Dadian on display at the Hangzhou branch of the China National Archives of Publications and Culture. [Photo/WeChat account: zhejiangxuanchuan]