A Qing Dynasty (1644-1919) map of Shanghai discovered among a pile of abandoned books is genuine, experts told its owner yesterday.

Collector Gong Ming found the map last month at a recycling station near his home in Wuxi, Jiangsu Province.

Wen Juzhen, director of Shanghai Collectors Association and a specialist in map collecting, confirmed that the map, printed in 1896, is real.

Wen said it would be helpful in shedding light on Shanghai's history during that period. The 64 by 105 centimeters map is torn in two and parts have been damaged.

Printed by Shanghai Zhongxi Press, it shows the city divided into the American, British, French concessions and Chinese territory.

"From the map, we can have a clear view of the concession boundaries, the name of the roads, the historic architectures and many old factories in Shanghai," said Wen, adding that some of the buildings on the map had now disappeared.

Because of its rarity, it would be difficult to evaluate the value of the map, according to the association director.

(Shanghai Daily July 13, 2006)