The museum says that it will keep scholars worldwide informed about research developments regarding the manuscripts and welcomes international collaboration to explore new approaches to their conservation.

An exhibition based on the manuscripts is scheduled to be held at the museum next year, to mark the anniversary of their return, Yu says. It will feature not only the manuscripts but also other artifacts unearthed from the same tomb, including jade, pottery and paintings. Related archives on the manuscripts' origin and the latest research findings will also be presented, offering a comprehensive perspective to the public.

Like many others, Liu, the Fudan University professor, remains concerned about Volume I of the manuscripts, the best-preserved of the three volumes, which is still in the US.

"The return of the two volumes sets a meaningful precedent, which we hope will lead to the repatriation of other significant Chinese cultural relics currently dispersed abroad," Liu says.

"We hope Volume I can come home soon and reunite with the other two volumes."

Zhu Youfang in Changsha contributed to this story.