HanziDragon

HanziDragon teaches Chinese characters through handwriting. One layer at a time — meaning, strokes, radicals, words — without overwhelming you.

Currently based on HSK 3.0, with 950+ characters covering levels 1, 2 and 3. Each character unfolds in stages. You meet it, learn what it means, watch it being written, then write it yourself — gradually, layer by layer.

How it works

• Watch the stroke order, with radicals shown in distinct colors — color codes make the structure of each character more visible • Trace the character, then write it from memory with gentle hints • Get feedback if you mix up similar radicals (like ? and ?) • Explore compound words and pinyin through matching exercises

Each character is practiced and reviewed enough times to actually stick — without rushing.

Two modes

• Guided Path — work through characters in order, lesson by lesson • Open Practice — pick your own characters, exercise types, and pace

Try any level

The free version gives you 40 characters from each HSK level 1-3 (120 total), so beginners and intermediate learners both find practice that fits.

What's included

• 950+ characters covering HSK 3.0 levels 1–3 • Native speaker audio • Apple Pencil support, optimized for iPad • iCloud progress sync between iPhone and iPad • Simplified Chinese characters (???)

Pro

Subscription required to unlock the full library. More HSK levels are coming — content preparation takes time, but Pro subscribers will get them as they're released, at no extra cost.

Terms of Use (EULA): https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/itunes/dev/stdeula/

A note from the makers

We made HanziDragon because we wanted to find a way to learn Chinese characters without cognitive overload — one that respects how the brain actually absorbs new information. From the makers of Robokana, a similar app for Japanese kanji.

Questions or feedback? support@hanzidragon.com