Part of Guoyun Lou's ancient book collection.

A quarter of Guoyun Lou's legendary book collection goes under the hammer at the Council International Auction.

A major auction of rare books is a landmark that will enhance knowledge sharing, auction regulations and the public's cultural awareness. Mei Jia in Nanjing and Wang Kaihao in Beijing report.

The recent auction in Beijing of Guoyun Lou's ancient book collection has caused a stir due to the sky-high price of 216 million yuan ($33.9 million).This followed Peking University's attempt to acquire the collection by claiming "preemptive rights", which caused a media frenzy.

After the competition between libraries, administrations and cultural enterprises came to a conclusion in late June, it was generally agreed that the record-breaking auction was a landmark that would enhance knowledge sharing, auction regulations and the public's cultural awareness.

"Fortunately, we're competing for cultural things, not for money. It taught us a vivid lesson about the previously underestimated value of ancient books. I think it ended well and nobody really lost," says Ye Jiancheng, director of artifacts management at Phoenix Publishing & Media Group, days after learning his group had finally succeeded in acquiring the collection.