Abstract: Since the implementation of the “Chinese Ancient Books Protection Plan” in 2007, Yunnan
province has established an ancient books protection system with ethnic characteristics; namely, the
corresponding institutions for ancient books protection were set up in province, prefectures(cities) and
counties. Relying on its own staff and volunteers, the province carried out a general investigation and
registration of ancient books. The conservation of ancient books written in minority languages of Yi, Zang,
Dongba and Dai has been conducted, leading to a breakthrough in the conservation skills for ancient books
by the ethnic minority groups. At the same time, a number of staff have been trained for the cuase. What’s
more, the digitization, collation and publication of ancient books have been carried out actively, and a
precious database of ancient books and rubbings is opened to the public. Focusing on the temples, the
general investigation, registration, the preservation and conservation of ancient books by ethnic minority
groups, this paper presents the view that the preservation of ancient books involves multidisciplinary
knowledge; therefore, the academic discipline for ancient books preservation should be developed as soon
as possible.

Key words: Ancient books protection system,  Minority ancient books, General investigation and registration, The preservation and conservation of ancient books