A photo shows four pieces of Emperor Qianlong's calligraphy works. The works depict the Baita Mountain in Beijing and have been sold for 116 million yuan at an auction house in the Chinese capital. [Photo: China News Service]

A set of Emperor Qianlong's calligraphy works has been sold for 116 million yuan, or 18.9 million US dollars, with a commission fee at an auction house in Beijing.

It marks the highest record among Chinese painting and calligraphy auctions around the world this year.

The hand scrolls were said to be created by Emperor Qianlong of the Qing Dynasty after he visited the Baita Mountain in Beijing in 1773.

The calligraphy work consists of five scrolls, including a general depiction of the Baita Mountain, and other four scrolls portraying the mountain's east, west, north and south sides.

The scrolls were previously preserved at Yong'an Temple on the mountain and later fell into the hands of private collectors. The one about the east side is still missing.

Four scrolls were put on the auction table together this time, which was rare on the market, especially as the works were created under the same theme.

This set of calligraphy works also marks the only item that has sold for over 100 million yuan (US$16.3 million) in the Chinese mainland's auction market this year and the highest price among Qianlong's works.