Zishu

At a glance

• Editor score
  9.2 / 10
• Pricing
  Free plan
• Best for
  Free iOS Chinese handwriting practice
• Free plan
  Yes
• Paid from
  Free
• Age levels
  All_ages
• Facts checked
  21 Sep 2026

• Where it wins

  • Validates strokes and provides automatic grading with order feedback
  • Combines tracing, outlining, memory practice, and spaced review
  • Includes HSK, radical, frequency, and custom character sets

• Where it doesn't

  • Available only on iPhone and iPad
  • Focused specifically on Chinese character handwriting
  • Interface languages are limited to English and Chinese

Our verdict on Zishu

Zishu is a free iPhone and iPad app for practicing Chinese character handwriting. It suits learners of different ages who want guided practice rather than a simple character reference tool. Each exercise validates handwriting against stroke-order data, and learners can work with Simplified or Traditional characters. The app combines tracing, outlining, and from-memory writing with a built-in dictionary, pinyin, definitions, and Mandarin pronunciation.

Its strongest area is structured practice. Automatic grading and stroke-order feedback help learners identify errors while they write, while the Daily Review uses spaced repetition to bring characters back for practice. HSK 1–6, radical, and frequency character sets provide several starting points, and custom sets can be created from text. Progress statistics, streaks, and daily goals add a way to organize regular study without making the app dependent on an internet connection.

Zishu is free, and optional one-time tip-jar purchases do not lock features. Learning data is stored offline, with backup export and import available for greater control over progress. That makes it a focused choice for learners who primarily want Chinese handwriting practice on Apple devices. Its platform scope is narrow, so learners seeking Android, web, or broader language-learning coverage should choose a different type of app. For iPhone and iPad users who value stroke validation, practice variety, custom lists, and review scheduling, Zishu offers a concentrated set of learning tools at no cost.

Your product? Our editors can test Zishu in depth and publish a review, labelled as paid · from $149/mo →

Zishu pricing

Zishu fact sheet

Alternatives to Zishu

• Hanzi WriterAn all-round Chinese handwriting app with structured courses, review tools, and offline practice.9.4
• SkritterA focused handwriting app for serious Chinese and Japanese learners.9.0
• Kanji DojoA broad, offline Japanese study app for learners who want open-source flexibility.8.9

See all Zishu alternatives →

Zishu vs the competition

• ZZishu vs Hanzi Writer
• ZZishu vs Skritter
• ZZishu vs Kanji Dojo
• ZZishu vs Nazoru
• ZZishu vs Copybook Club
• ZZishu vs HanziStroke

Compare Zishu with any tool side by side →

Featured on iTechGuides

Zishu is listed in our Handwriting Practice Apps directory. Add the badge to your site — it links back to this page.

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Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026

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Last updated 7 Oct 2026 · How we research and update