A museum focusing on movable-type printing is established in a more than 100-year-old building in Gangzha district. [Photo/ntfabu.com]

A museum focusing on movable-type printing has recently been established in Gangzha district, Nantong, East China's Jiangsu province.

Movable-type printing was invented by Bi Sheng, an inventor who lived during the Northern Song Dynasty (960-1127). It was one of the most important innovations in printing history and has played a significant role in the development of mankind.

However, as modern technology continues to develop, fewer and fewer people know how movable-type printing works. The new museum gives people a chance to learn about this important historical technique.

The museum showcases old-fashioned printers, type-casters, lead-casted types, and more. In addition to learning about the history and development of movable-type printing, visitors can also try their own hands at it.

A visitor learns about movable-type printing by examining a wall of lead-casted types. [Photo/ntfabu.com]

Movable-type printing consists of five steps: typing, proofreading, inking, printing, and finishing. Many elderly people say that the unique printing indentations of lead-casted types remind them of their school days.

The museum has attracted many tourists and local students interested in movable-type printing, said Qian Xiaowen, manager of the museum. She expressed hope that more people would come to the museum in the future.

A visitor tries her hand at movable-type printing under the guidance of a museum worker. [Photo/ntfabu.com]