China to start commemorating 120th anniversary of oracle bone inscription discovery

The undated file photo shows the exhibit to be displayed at the oracle bone inscriptions-themed exhibition at the National Museum of China in Beijing, capital of China. China will commemorate the 120th anniversary of the discovery of oracle bone inscriptions with a series of high-profile events. An oracle bone inscriptions-themed exhibition will be opened at the National Museum of China from Oct. 22. Jiaguwen, or oracle bone inscriptions, are an ancient Chinese language named for their inscriptions on tortoise shells and animal bones. They are a primitive form of Chinese characters and the oldest fully-developed characters in China. (National Museum of China/Handout via Xinhua)

BEIJING, Oct. 15 -- China will commemorate the 120th anniversary of the discovery of oracle bone inscriptions with a series of high-profile events, starting this week, the Ministry of Education said Tuesday.

The events will include an international symposium in Anyang, Henan Province, where oracle bone inscriptions were unearthed, from Friday to Sunday, a themed two-month exhibition at the National Museum of China, starting next Tuesday, and a workshop in Beijing next Thursday, the ministry said at a press conference.

Jiaguwen, or oracle bone inscriptions, are an ancient Chinese language named for their inscriptions on tortoise shells and animal bones. They are a primitive form of Chinese characters and the oldest fully-developed characters in China.