Zishu review
A free iOS app with structured practice, grading, and spaced review.
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
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.
Zishu pros and cons
- 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
Zishu fact sheet, pricing and score →
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