Luhanbin Typewriter Museum

Click-clack. Clickety-clack. The rhythmic symphony of keys striking paper echoes faintly from the Luhanbin Typewriter Museum. Here on the 7th floor of the Jiadu Building on West Yan’an Road, time seems to slow. The relentless march of technology pauses. The Luhanbin Typewriter Museum is a sanctuary for these mechanical marvels. It houses the world’s third largest collection of typewriters. This collection, lovingly curated by Chinese Czech businessman Lu Hanbin, is a testament to a bygone era. It’s a fascinating journey through the evolution of the written word. Mr. Lu spent over 20 years assembling these machines. Over 300 typewriters in 14 different languages reside within these walls. From antique Coronas and Remingtons to Olympias and Underwoods, each machine whispers tales of writers past. Imagine Mark Twain, fingers flying across the keys, crafting his witty prose. Picture Lin Yutang, meticulously shaping Chinese characters with the same mechanical precision. The museum’s collection spans from the late 19th century to more recent models. Remember the Hero and Flying Fish typewriters from your school days? They’re here too, sparking a wave of nostalgia. The museum also delves into the history of the typewriter. It traces its arrival in China during the Qing Dynasty and explores the development of Chinese typewriters in Shanghai. While most information is in Chinese, QR codes offer video insights into each machine’s operation. Beyond typewriters, the museum also houses a collection of vintage radios and TVs. Even a grand old wooden Huzhao camera stands proudly in a nearby room. The Luhanbin Typewriter Museum is more than just a museum. It’s a cafe. It’s a space for workshops, salons, and talks, often centered around literature and the written word. The atmosphere is calming. The click-clack of keys, once a ubiquitous sound, now a soothing murmur. It’s an invitation to slow down, reflect, and appreciate the tangible connection between words and the machines that brought them to life. So, take a seat, breathe in the scent of old paper and ink, and let the stories of these remarkable machines transport you to a simpler time.