Ancient China's printings The world's earliest known printed book (using woodblock printing),the Diamond Sutra from Tang Dynasty China,868(British Museum),shows the widespread availability and practicality of paper in China The first known movable type system was invented in China around 1040 AD by Bi Sheng(990-1051).Ancient China’s printings • The world's earliest known printed book (using woodblock printing), the Diamond Sutra from Tang Dynasty China, 868 (British Museum), shows the widespread availability and practicality of paper in China • • The first known movable type system was invented in China around 1040 AD by Bi Sheng (990-1051)