Feng Jun, president of Beijing Huaqi Information Digital Technology, cannot contain his enthusiasm about his company’s newest product: the “Aigo Aifly WonderPen”. The WonderPen, says Mr Feng, is an example of the kind of innovation he hopes will eventually transform his company into a Chinese Sony.

Equipped with fetching white earphones, the pen plays sound files when its electronic nib is pressed against paper printed with special invisible ink. It can turn an ordinary-looking museum guidebook into an interactive experience, with readers able to hear detailed spoken explanations simply by tapping the book’s photographs. “It’s a unique product ... with unique technology,” enthuses Mr Feng, boasting that his pen is already being used to complement a touring exhibition of Olympic treasures under way in China.