As one of the oldest forms of writing in the world, Chinese characters have survived for over 4,000 years. Today, it is the language spoken by the largest population in the world.

Chinese characters have their origins in ancient rock drawings, and were first utilized as part of a mature writing system during the Shang Dynasty (about 16th-11th century B.C.).

Having evolved from scripts on animal shells, bones and bronze ware, hanzi embodies the wisdom of traditional Chinese culture.

The invention of printing technology and the availability of Chinese characters in computers have further facilitated its popularization.

Chinese writing is not only the carrier of Chinese culture, but has generated many forms of art such as calligraphy and seal cutting.

(Source: National Museum of Chinese Characters in Anyang)