Chinese abacus accessories are on display at the Nanjing Imperial Examination Museum of China on Aug 22. [Photo/ntfabu.com]

The tour show of the Nantong-based China Abacus Museum, entitled "Chinese Zhusuan through the Centuries", opened at the Nanjing Imperial Examination Museum of China on Aug 22 and will run until Sept 28.

Hosted by the provincial cultural heritage administration of Jiangsu, the exhibition displayed nearly 160 relics, including books and various abacuses made of a variety of materials, such as jade and silver.

"The connection between the abacus and the imperial examination dates back to the Tang Dynasty (618-907), when the abacus was a part of the test," said a teacher from Nantong during a lecture on the opening day.

Organizers said two family activities themed around the Chinese abacus will also be held during the exhibition, allowing children to make their own abacuses.

"There are few abacus classes at school. So the exhibition gives children a chance to put the things they learn into practice," said one parent.