Viral calligrapher explores futuristic 'magic library'

With robotic arms, a towering 21-meter automated book vault, and immersive spaces for music and film, Shenzhen Library North Branch feels more like a sci-fi wonderland than a traditional library.

On April 3, it welcomed 76-year-old calligrapher Wang Chaozhu — widely known as the “Shanxi Grandpa” for his viral metro station lettering. Touring the smart book system, he marveled at its speed and scale: “Shenzhen’s high-tech is truly shocking!”

Opened in December 2023, the library houses 4 million books and features a seamless retrieval system that delivers titles in minutes. For Wang, the visit was a cultural encounter — where traditional Chinese calligraphy met the future of public learning and global admiration.

Wang Chaozhu receives overwhelming welcome at the Shenzhen Library North Branch during his visit last week. Photos by Liu Xudong