Chinese in writing is a pictographic language, it represents the visal images perceived in the physical world. Chinese calligraphy as the art of writing is a widely practiced in China. It is an abstract art that one does not have to know Chinese to appreciate its beauty, including the quality of line, brushwork, construction, application of ink, rhythm and composition. It is much like apprecating the abstract western oil painting, we do not need to understand what the painting depicts.

One's calligraphy is often seen to be the most revealing of one's personality. The reason behind this is, unlike other visual art format, all calligraphy line strokes are permanent and incorrigible. Once it is written on paper, the lines will not be touched by brush again. This requires the artist having done rigid training and practice to learn the writing and composition skills.

Chinese calligraphy is considered as the highest expression of all art forms, it has been practiced more than 3000 years.

There are six styles in Chinese calligraphy:

1. Seal script
2. Clerical script
3. Semi-cursive script
4. Cursive script
5. Regular script

Among the above five styles, cursive script is characterized by great freedom in brushwork, character construction, application of ink and composition. It is distinguished from other scripts by its vivid rhythms, flowing movement and powerful sense of momentum. Many Chinese cannot read cursive script themselves, but they cherish it as an art form.

The tools for calligraphy are paper, ink, brush, and inkstone. Nowadays people do not really make ink from inkstone before writing as ready-to-use inks can be easily purchased from stores. However, paper, ink, brush, and inkstone are considered as "Four Treasures of the Study".

If the calligraphy is created for decoration and collection. It is typically mounted on scrolls.