China's Gen Z women embrace centuries-old script

In central China's Hunan province, a traditional female-only script known as Nushu is experiencing a revival among younger generations. Developed around 400 years ago in Jiangyong County when women were excluded from formal education, the script adapted Chinese characters into a unique writing system used in letters, songs, and embroidery to communicate privately.

Once passed quietly from mother to daughter in rural communities, Nushu is now gaining national recognition as a cultural symbol of resilience and heritage. Interest has surged in recent years, with student clubs dedicated to learning the script seeing rapid growth, and practitioners promoting its preservation as an important part of Chinese cultural history.