Graded readers / Du Chinese
Du Chinese 读中文
Quick answer
What HSK level is Du Chinese?
Du Chinese runs from Newbie (150 unique characters) up to Master (2,500 unique characters), which lines up roughly with HSK 1 to 9 (3.0). The best fit is the level where a sample chapter clears about 95 percent coverage for you, so check a sample rather than trusting the label.
App and web graded reader with a large library of original stories and adapted classics across six levels, each defined by a stated character vocabulary, with built-in audio, pinyin toggle and tap-to-look-up. Free lessons plus a premium subscription for the full library.
The levels
Each level below lists the vocabulary size it is built around and the approximate HSK fit on both schemes. Vocabulary sizes are the publisher's figures; the HSK bands are a computed line-up against the HSK word and character lists, given as ranges and approximate. The two schemes count different lists, so the same book can sit a level or two apart on each: HSK 3.0 is the closer fit for this character-graded series.
| Level | Vocabulary | HSK 3.0 | HSK 2.0 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Newbie | 150 unique characters | below HSK 1 | below HSK 1 |
| Elementary | 300 unique characters | HSK 1 | HSK 1 to 2 |
| Intermediate | 600 unique characters | HSK 2 | HSK 3 |
| Upper Intermediate | 1,000 unique characters | HSK 3 to 4 | HSK 4 |
| Advanced | 1,500 unique characters | HSK 5 | HSK 4 to 5 |
| Master | 2,500 unique characters | HSK 6 to 9 | HSK 6 |
Check it against your own level
The label on a series is a starting guess, not a promise. The reliable way to place any book is to grab a sample chapter, paste it into the coverage analyzer, and see whether you clear roughly 95 percent word coverage. If you do, the reading will feel smooth; if you are well below, drop a level. Teachers can use the difficulty grader the same way to place a class text.
Other series to compare
Back to all graded-reader series
Source and neutrality: figures are Du Chinese's own published grading, last checked 2026-07-24 against Du Chinese (homepage and pricing); the HSK bands are HanziCoverage's own approximate line-up, not a publisher claim. HanziCoverage has no affiliate relationship with Du Chinese and earns nothing if you buy it. The only app we publish and disclose is on the recommended page.