More efficient

Huang Xinhai, 19, from Hunan province, said she hardly writes anything by hand now.

"There is little room for handwriting in modern life, because communication is usually done by computer and mobile phone to reach others and to edit documents quickly," Huang said.

"Modern technology with fast speeds and clarity in communication is more efficient than traditional handwriting."

Jiang Xinhong, 26, from Liaoning, said: "I prefer instant messaging to convey important and urgent information, as most people usually carry smartphones, tablets or laptops. However, if you send a letter, you have to wait a long time for the reply."

Voicemail is also popular with Jiang. "I feel warm when I hear another person's voice. It seems as if they are sitting beside you," she added.

Despite the various advantages of digital communication, Jiang said she also has a good feeling when she receives handwritten letters.

"I love seeing an envelope popping through my letterbox, as I know the writer has taken time to prepare a letter for me, even if it's just to discuss everyday matters," she said.

The Museum of Family Letters at Renmin University has collected more than 1,000 handwritten letters donated by people worldwide. Most are from the public, but some have been written by well-known figures, including Chen Duxiu, one of the founders of the Communist Party of China.

Zhang, the curator, regards family letters with content relating to social affairs, astronomy, geography, politics and economics as valuable educational and historical material for the younger generation to embrace tradition and the key values of their ancestors.

He said educating children about letter writing involves far more than merely putting words on paper, as when they write, they learn to express themselves and to communicate with others.