Ancient Chinese Weaponry: Innovations That Shaped Warfare

Ancient China ignited monumental advancements in technology, philosophy, and invention, dramatically transforming fields as diverse as science, trade and agriculture. Silk production, porcelain, the abacus, and tea were developed in China, as was the seed drill, the blast furnace, production of cast iron, and the manufacture of steel. But it was ancient Chinese weapons that may have best reflected not only the technological ingenuity of ancient China, but also its philosophical approach to balance, harmony, and the art of war.

This time-trip back to the dynasties of the East will put the weapons of ancient China into sharp focus.

Like many of the world’s great civilisations, ancient China was frequently embroiled in warfare, both uniting to repel invaders, and engaging in prolonged internal strife between rival kingdoms.

This constant state of turmoil was a catalyst for military advancement, compelling Chinese traditional weapons and tactics to be continually developed and refined. As such, ancient Chinese weapons evolved in direct response to the changing nature of war, with innovations tailored both to massive battlefield engagements as well as more intricate siege warfare and close-quarters fighting.

Let’s take a look at some of the most famous weapons of ancient China, as well as learning some of the more famous Chinese weapon names from the period.

Central to the might of ancient Chinese armies was a diverse arsenal that catered to various combat scenarios. Generally speaking, the arms falling under the title of ancient China weaponry can be broadly divided into four overarching categories – short weapons, long weapons, projectile and throwing weapons, and soft weapons. Understanding the distinctions between these categories is crucial to appreciating their impact on warfare.

Short weapons like swords, daggers, and axes were efficient in close-quarters combat, as well as being easy to carry and conceal.

Jian | Sword

One of the famed four major weapons, the jian was a straight, double-edged sword known as the ‘Gentleman of Weapons’ in Chinese folklore. Blades varied in length between 45 and 80 centimetres and it was used as a primary weapon from around the seventh century BC.

Dao | Sabre

From its early iterations as a bronze weapon in the Shang dynasty to its evolution into a steel-bladed weapon during the Han, the iconic curved, single-edged dao sword has played a pivotal role in Chinese martial tradition and is another of the four major Chinese traditional weapons.

Chui | Hammer

More like a mace than a hammer, the chui was one of the earliest of the ancient Chinese weapons, popular in the dynasties of the Shang (approximately 1600 BC – 1046 BC) and Zhou (c.1046 BC – 256 BC). It was designed with a heavy head – the early variants were probably made of bronze – and while capable of administering devastating blows, it was a very heavy weapon.

Bi Shou | Dagger

Thought to have been popular during the Han dynasty between around 200 BC and 220 AD, the bi shou was a small dagger sometimes carried in a boot or on the waist. It was often used in pairs by skilled warriors, where they were known as shuang bi shou, or ‘twin daggers.’

Emeici | Piercers

One of the more unusual arms in the suite of ancient China weaponry was the emeici, translated as Emei daggers, or Emei piercers. They originated from Mount Emei in Sichuan Province and were thin metal rods with razor-sharp points at each end. In the centre of each rod was a ring on a swivel joint that allowed the wielder to spin the emeici, confusing the enemy and creating enough of a distraction to attack.

Chinese traditional weapons like spears, staffs and polearms were effective in long-range combat scenarios and were used by both infantry and cavalry soldiers.

Qiang | Spear

Another of the four major Chinese weapons, the qiang was one of the most ubiquitous arms in the pre-modern Chinese army. Sometimes referred to as the King of Weapons, it came in a number of different variants, the most common being around 2.5 metres long with a leaf-shaped blade.

Gun | Staff

The last of the four major weapons, the gun, a simple yet effective hardwood staff usually made from oak, was known as the Grandfather of All Weapons.

Guandao | Polearm

Comparable both in style and brutality to the medieval glaive or fauchard, the guandao was a curved polearm with a blade attached to a wood or metal pole somewhere between 1.5 metres and 1.8 metres long. A number of Chinese weapon names changed over time, and the guandao is most commonly called yanyuedao, which translates to ‘reclining moon blade.’

Projectile and throwing weapons, notably bows and crossbows, allowed armies to strike from a distance, weakening the enemy before melee engagement.

Gong Jian | Bow & Arrow

One of the oldest of all ancient Chinese weapons, the gong (bow) jian (arrow – a different Chinese character to that of the sword) was believed to have been invented over 4,000 years ago and was used in various forms on the battlefield for millennia, from ancient times through to the Imperial era.

Fei Biao | Throwing Arrow

Around twelve centimetres long and resembling a small dagger or heavy dart, the fei biao required lots of practice to throw properly. Light and easily concealed and often with poisoned tips, it could be carried in large numbers and was probably used by assassins rather than as a battlefield weapon.

Nu | Crossbow

The crossbow, or “nu,” was a revolutionary innovation in ancient Chinese military history, first coming into prominence during the Warring States period, between the fifth and third centuries BC. Known for its impressive power and precision, the crossbow allowed soldiers to strike enemies from great distances, effectively transforming battlefield strategies. The Han dynasty introduced enhancements, including repeating mechanisms and sights for improved accuracy. Crossbowmen were strategically positioned to launch volleys while shielded behind infantry lines, creating formations that maximised the weapon’s lethality. By the Tang dynasty, despite a slight decline in popularity compared to the composite bow, the crossbow remained a crucial element of China’s military arsenal.

So-called ‘soft’ weapons such as chains and whips, though less common, required exceptional skill and were often used by martial artists for their unpredictability and fluid motion.

Liu Xing Chui | Meteor Hammer

While it remains the subject of ongoing debate as to whether the liu xing chui was ever used in battle, it was one of the more creative of the Chinese traditional weapons. It consisted of a metal chain or rope up to three metres long with heavy weights – up to three kilograms – attached to one or both ends. It was spun to build up momentum and then released towards a target, similar in style to an Olympic hammer thrower.

Sanjiegun | Three-Section Staff

The sanjiegun was a versatile, yet incredibly complex weapon used in close-quarters combat, and it’s likely the famous nunchaku was a later iteration. Easy to carry and conceal, it was used in both attack and defence.

This is just a brief snapshot of the vast array of weapons of ancient China which were used for more than two thousand years. From the reach of long spears and the precision of the crossbow to the finesse of the sword, these armaments reflected a sophisticated approach to combat that balanced technology with tactical philosophy. These innovations not only shaped military strategy but also influenced warfare across continents and centuries.