BEIJING, Aug. 23 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping wrote a letter to the 22nd International Congress of Historical Sciences on Sunday, which opened Sunday in Jinan, Shandong Province.

Xi said in the letter that historical studies are the base of all social sciences. History brings wisdom to mankind to understand the past, hold the present and create the future.

Xi said China gives much attention to historical studies and has done so since the ancient times, creating abundant historical documents.

"Every nation has its own development path, so that nations should respect the choices of the others. Deepening the mutual understanding is conducive to making a better future," added Xi.

Xi asked historians to provide wisdom for the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation.

The International Congress of Historical Sciences, held every five years, was first held in 1900. It is the first time that the congress is held in an Asian country.

Over 2,600 delegates from 90 countries and regions attended the congress in Shandong University in Jinan.