Real Chinese - Mini-guides - Chinese characters

Chinese characters and Chinese culture

The other thing to remember is that to the Chinese, their writing system is an important part of their culture. Its uniqueness and longevity give people an immense source of pride. As Chinese characters are so ancient, they contain insights into ways of thought that are thousands of years old, and allow people to read classical literature from the time of Confucius.

The writing of well-formed, beautiful characters is also considered important, and calligraphy is considered an art form itself in its own right. Master calligraphers spend their lives honing their talents and paint huge characters or poems on scrolls.