* Paper: While papyrus was used in Egypt, paper was invented in China during the Han Dynasty (206 BC – 220 AD) and became the primary writing material for books. This innovation allowed for books to be lighter, cheaper, and more widely accessible.
* Woodblock Printing: This method, developed during the Sui Dynasty (581-618 AD), allowed for the printing of multiple copies of a book from a single block. This greatly increased the speed of book production and made books more affordable.
* Movable Type: The first known movable type printing was developed in China during the Song Dynasty (960-1279 AD). While this method did not gain widespread use until much later, it marked a significant advancement in printing technology.
These inventions, along with other innovations like ink and binding techniques, allowed for the widespread production and distribution of books in China, paving the way for a thriving literary culture.