Zhang Guangyi, Beijing's Treasure

Zhang Guangyi, 80, is running probably the last pen repairing shop in the bustling Dongsi South Street in downtown Beijing now. He has dedicated 60 years to this trade and is treasured by his clients as an indispensable part of Beijing.

Squished between posh boutiques, Guangyi Pen Repairing Shop is almost unnoticeable when walking through Dongsi South Street. But for fountain pen users, the little shop is a sweet home.

The 10-square-meter shop is decorated with awards of “Model Worker” and gifts from grateful clients.

An invitation to Deng Xiaoping's funeral is on his shelf. Nearby is a plaque thanking him for his donation to the Sichuan earthquake victims. Zhang considers them to be great honors.

The hundred year old building Zhang works out of is full of memories.

His work place, which is lit by an old-fashioned lamp, is strewn with tools and pen parts. They are Zhang’s oldest partners.

Mr. Jiang finally found Zhang to repair his father’s pen that was made in the 1950s.

Zhang is probably the last man repairing pens in Beijing now. He has no apprentice.

Every afternoon from 3 to 5, Zhang sits on the long-legged chair at his work-table helping his clients. The bustling street that Zhang walks every day has changed so much in the past six decades. Yet Zhang and his little shop remain the same.

Story & Editor: Huang Lan

Video: Casey Chin