Chinese Research Helps

China  Chinese Research Helps

Several tools are available for Chinese speaking researchers. Click on the links below to open guides that teach you how to use the Chinese version of the FamilySearch Catalog and how to do Chinese research.

Different areas of the world have different written records in Chinese languages. This Wikipedia article about the Chinese language helps determine which writing system was used. It is rather technical.

Learning to read Chinese Genealogies 家谱
King, Chinese Language Helps for Jiapu 家谱

Traditional Chinese
All documents linked below are in Traditional Chinese.

Many records are in Traditional Chinese regardless of where the record was created. Simplified Chinese was only introduced in the mid 20th Century. today traditional Chinese characters are only used in Hong Kong, Macau, Taiwan, and expatriate areas in other countries.


 * Introduction


 * How to Start Chinese Research


 * How to Use Online Chinese Version of the FamilySearch Catalog

Simplified Chinese
All documents listed below are in Simplified Chinese.

Simplified Chinese appears on modern records since the mid 20th Century. That was when the Chinese government (Peoples Republic of China) made it official. It is the most common form used there today although there are still many who know traditional Chinese. Simplified Chinese is not as widely used in expatriate areas, or areas like Hong Kong or Macau. Outside of the immediate area of China itself, it is only officially used in Malaysia.


 * Introduction


 * How to Start Chinese Research


 * How to the Use Online Chinese Version of the FamilySearch Catalog