What Are The 6 Chinese Writing Types?

Chinese writing types represent more than just a way to convey language—they are a remarkable art form that unites visual beauty with profound cultural meaning. Over thousands of years, these Chinese writing types have evolved to reflect the history, traditions, and artistic spirit of their time, serving not only practical purposes but also as a medium for personal expression and cultural identity.

Let’s explore the six major Chinese writing types, their history, and their characteristics.

1. Oracle Bone Script (甲骨文)

The oldest known form of Chinese writing, Oracle Bone Script, appeared over 3,000 years ago during the Shang Dynasty (1600–1046 BCE). It was inscribed on tortoise shells and animal bones, primarily used for divination and recording events like royal ceremonies and sacrifices.

Oracle Bone Script was rediscovered in 1899 when scholars identified ancient carvings on so-called “dragon bones” sold in Chinese medicine shops. Archaeologists later unearthed over 100,000 pieces from the ruins of the Shang capital in Anyang, Henan Province.

Today, about 4,600 distinct characters have been identified, and over 1,700 have been deciphered. These early writings provide a glimpse into ancient Chinese beliefs and their structured approach to governance and record-keeping.

2. Seal Script (篆书)

Seal Script emerged after Oracle Bone Script and is divided into Large Seal Script (大篆) and Small Seal Script (小篆).

• Large Seal Script evolved during the Zhou Dynasty (1046–256 BCE) and was used in ceremonial inscriptions. It retained the intricate and pictorial style of earlier scripts.
• Small Seal Script was standardized during the Qin Dynasty (221–206 BCE) under Emperor Qin Shi Huang, who unified the Chinese writing system to promote national unity. Known for its rounded and balanced strokes, Small Seal Script was used for official purposes, especially inscriptions on monuments and seals.

For example, the famous Stone Drums of Qin are inscribed with Large Seal Script, while the Edict of Mount Langya features Small Seal Script. Even today, Small Seal Script is widely appreciated in traditional seals and calligraphy.

3. Clerical Script (隶书)

Clerical Script (Lishu) developed during the Han Dynasty (202 BCE–220 CE) as a practical alternative to the laborious Seal Script. Its flatter and more angular strokes made it quicker to write, which was essential for the growing administrative needs of the empire.

This script introduced the “silkworm head and wild goose tail” brush technique, creating graceful yet powerful horizontal strokes. Clerical Script became the foundation for many later scripts, including Regular and Running Script.

Examples of Han-era Clerical Script can be found on stone steles, such as the Stele of Zhang Qian and the Stele of Cao Quan. These works demonstrate the script’s majestic and orderly appearance, embodying the cultural grandeur of the Han Dynasty.

4. Running Script (行书)

Running Script (Xingshu) evolved to bridge the gap between the formality of Regular Script and the speed of Cursive Script. Emerging during the late Eastern Han Dynasty, it became the most popular for personal letters and artistic works of all Chinese writing types.

One of the most famous examples of Running Script is Preface to the Orchid Pavilion (兰亭序) by Wang Xizhi of the Eastern Jin Dynasty (317–420 CE). This masterpiece combines elegance and fluidity, often described as the “best Running Script under heaven.”

Another notable work is the Jizhi Draft by Tang Dynasty calligrapher Yan Zhenqing, which reflects a bold and vigorous style. Running Script remains one of the most versatile styles, balancing beauty with practicality.

5. Cursive Script (草书)

Cursive Script (Caoshu) is the most expressive and dynamic of all Chinese writing types. It originated during the early Han Dynasty as a faster way to write Clerical Script and gradually evolved into an art form.

• Zhang Cao (章草): A simplified version of Clerical Script used in early administrative documents.
• Jin Cao (今草): Developed by Zhang Zhi in the Eastern Han Dynasty, this style introduced more flowing strokes.
• Kuang Cao (狂草): A wild, free-flowing style perfected by Tang Dynasty calligraphers Zhang Xu and Huai Su.

Cursive Script is characterized by continuous, sweeping strokes that often intertwine. Masterpieces like Zhang Xu’s Crazy Grass Script and Huai Su’s Autobiography capture the emotional intensity of this style, making it a favorite among calligraphy enthusiasts.

6. Regular Script (楷书)

Regular Script (Kaishu) emerged during the Eastern Han Dynasty and became the most widely used and standardized script in Chinese writing history. It is clear, structured, and easy to read, making it the foundation for learning calligraphy.

Famous masters of Regular Script include:

• Ouyang Xun and Yu Shinan of the Tang Dynasty, whose works like Jiucheng Palace Liquan Inscription are known for their precision and elegance.
• Yan Zhenqing, whose Yan Style is bold and dynamic, exemplified by his Duo Bao Pagoda Inscription.
• Liu Gongquan, who refined Regular Script into a more angular and upright style, as seen in his Mystical Buddha’s Pagoda Inscription.

Regular Script continues to be the basis for printed Chinese characters today, linking modern readers to centuries of tradition.

Conclusion

Each of these Chinese Writing Types—from the ancient Oracle Bone Script to the refined Regular Script—tells a story of cultural evolution, artistic innovation, and historical significance. Whether used for recording history, creating art, or developing personal character, these writing styles showcase the richness of Chinese culture and its enduring legacy.