Comic books based on an epic of Naxi ethnic group are now on display at the National Library of China in Beijing. [Photo by Wang Kaihao / China Daily]

An exhibition of comic books based on a traditional epic has opened at the National Library of China in Beijing and will run until June 20.

The 70 comic books, which were created under the China National Arts Fund, are derived from War of Black and White, an epic of the Naxi ethnic group from southwestern Yunnan province. The epic is listed as national-level intangible cultural heritage.

The exhibition also showcases ancient Dongba manuscripts of the Naxi people, which are housed by the library.

The manuscripts were mainly used by shamans in religious activities, and also to record the ethnic group's history and traditions.