I. The Sprouting of Oracle Bone Script

Chinese characters, as one of the oldest writing systems in the world, trace their origins back to the Shang Dynasty, around the 16th century BC. During this time, ancestors inscribed the earliest forms of writing, known as oracle bone script, onto turtle shells and animal bones to record sacrificial ceremonies and divinations. These characters, though primitive and resembling pictures, initially possessed the functionality of writing, marking the birth of Chinese characters.

II. The Standardization and Inheritance of Bronze Inscriptions

In the Western Zhou Dynasty, as society advanced and culture flourished, Chinese characters entered a new phase of development. The era witnessed the emergence of more standardized and easier-to-write "bronze inscriptions," named for their inscription on bronze vessels. Based on oracle bone script, bronze inscriptions featured smoother lines and a more stable structure, laying a solid foundation for subsequent character evolution.

III. The Unification and Transformation of Seal Script

During the Spring and Autumn and Warring States periods, Chinese characters saw a period of divergence and innovation. Though different countries used slightly varied scripts, there was a general trend towards simplification and ease of writing. After unifying China, Qin Shi Huangdi implemented the policy of "Unified Writing," ordering Prime Minister Li Si and others to standardize and organize the country's scripts, ultimately leading to the creation of "small seal script." The emergence of small seal script marked a new era in Chinese characters, with its rigorous structure and elegant lines becoming a model for later calligraphy. However, to cater to daily writing needs, the Han Dynasty saw the development of an even simpler script: "clerical script."

IV. The Popularization of Clerical Script and the Rise of Calligraphy Art

Clerical script broke free from the constraints of small seal script, forming its own unique style and gradually replacing small seal script as the official script. Concurrently, more casual and free-flowing scripts such as "cursive script" and "running script" emerged in the folk, significantly enriching Chinese calligraphy art. From the Tang and Song dynasties onwards, with the invention and spread of printing, Chinese characters further developed towards standardization and normalization, with regular script, running script, and cursive script each forming distinct artistic styles.

V. The Inheritance and Development of Modern Chinese Characters

Today, Chinese characters have evolved into a comprehensive and complex system, comprising both simplified and traditional forms. They serve not only to write and record information but also carry rich cultural connotations and national spirit. In the digital age, Chinese characters have kept pace with the times, widely disseminated and applied through electronic screens, the internet, and other new media. The evolution of Chinese characters is a testament to the wisdom and creativity of the Chinese nation and an integral part of the world's cultural heritage.