Question 1

What is the HSK 3.0 handwriting list?

Accepted Answer

It is the list of 书写字 (shū xiě zì), the characters the 2025 HSK syllabus says you must be able to write by hand. There are 1,200: 100 shared by HSK 1 and 2, 150 each for HSK 3 to 6, and 500 for HSK 7–9. Every one is also on the reading list.

Question 2

How many characters do I need to write for HSK 1, 2 and 3?

Accepted Answer

HSK 1 and HSK 2 share one list of 100 characters to write, such as 爱 (ài) and 学 (xué). HSK 3 adds 150, so 250 in all by HSK 3. The reading lists are longer: 246 characters to recognize at HSK 1, 371 by HSK 2 and 655 by HSK 3.

Question 3

What is the difference between reading and handwriting characters in HSK 3.0?

Accepted Answer

Reading characters, 认读字 (rèn dú zì), are the ones you must recognize: 3,088 across all levels. Handwriting characters, 书写字 (shū xiě zì), are a smaller set of 1,200 that you must also write from memory. Spend your writing practice on the second list.

Question 4

When does the new HSK 3.0 exam start?

Accepted Answer

The 2025 HSK syllabus takes effect in July 2026, and the first exams on the new levels are scheduled for December 13, 2026. The handwriting list (书写字, shū xiě zì) is part of that syllabus, so it is a good place to start practicing now.

Question 5

Why do HSK 1 and HSK 2 share one handwriting list?

Accepted Answer

The 2025 syllabus sets a single handwriting list of 100 characters for HSK 1 and 2 together, including 爱 (ài), 学 (xué) and 写 (xiě); separate lists of 150 start at HSK 3. That is why this page has one HSK 1–2 list.

Question 6

Is this worksheet free to print?

Accepted Answer

Yes. The HSK 3.0 handwriting worksheet is free to print or save as a PDF, with no account or email needed, and you can print as many copies as you like for a class. Choose A4 or US Letter before you press Print or Save PDF.