Know exactly what your next HSK level asks of you
One page that maps the whole climb from HSK 1 to HSK 9: what you should be able to do at each stage, what to study, which materials work, and how many hours it really takes.
- 1Three stages, each with benchmarks, can-do goals and the four skills
- 2What to focus on at each stage, from tones to chengyu
- 3Recommended textbooks, tools and realistic study hours
Roadmap
Delivered by email as a one-page PDF mind map. Zoom in on your phone, or print it and keep it on your desk.
Send me the roadmap
Your name and email. No phone number needed.
The whole ladder at a glance
Numbers are cumulative: each level includes everything below it.
| Level | What you can do | Words | Characters to read |
|---|---|---|---|
| BEGINNER · HSK 1–3 | |||
| HSK 1 | Simple communication about everyday life | 300 | 246 |
| HSK 2 | Basic communication about daily life, study and work | 500 | 371 |
| HSK 3 | Effective communication about daily life, study and work | 1,000 | 655 |
| INTERMEDIATE · HSK 4–6 | |||
| HSK 4 | Complete, coherent communication | 2,000 | 1,096 |
| HSK 5 | Accurate, appropriate communication at work and in study | 3,600 | 1,527 |
| HSK 6 | Rich, fluent communication in professional settings | 5,400 | 1,940 |
| ADVANCED · HSK 7–9 | |||
| HSK 7–9 | Academic and professional Chinese; one exam, three possible levels | 11,000 | 3,088 |
Source: HSK syllabus, published November 2025 by the Center for Language Education and Cooperation. The roadmap shows these exam word lists alongside the 2021 national standard the new HSK is built on.
The word lists just got bigger
HSK 3.0 launches on 13 December 2026. At the same level number, the new lists are larger: HSK 4 goes from 1,200 words to 2,000. If you are planning your next exam, plan it against the new numbers.
I'll just finish the textbook first.The roadmap's answer
Finishing a book is not the same as passing a timed paper. The roadmap shows what you should be able to do before you move up a stage.
HSK 4 is only one level above HSK 3.The roadmap's answer
It doubles the word list. Most self-taught learners stall here, which is why the roadmap treats HSK 4–6 as its own stage.
I've seen 11,092 words quoted. Which number is right?The roadmap's answer
That figure is from the 2021 national standard. The exam uses the 2025 syllabus lists. The roadmap shows both.
Who it's for
A good fit if you are
- Planning your next HSK exam and want to know the size of the jump
- Studying on your own and want a clear order to work in
- Aiming at HSK 4 or above for university or work in China
Not the right download if
- You are a complete beginner with no Chinese at all. Start with our 7-step beginner roadmap instead
- You need exam registration help: that is on chinesetest.cn
Before you sign up
Is it really free?
Yes. You get the PDF by email. There is nothing to pay and no card to enter.
Are these the official numbers?
The stage benchmarks come from the 2021 national standard the new HSK is built on, and the exam word lists from the official HSK syllabus published in November 2025. Study hours and study advice are our teachers' estimates.
Is this for the old HSK or the new one?
The new one. HSK 3.0 starts on 13 December 2026, and the roadmap follows its nine-level structure.
What happens after I sign up?
The download link arrives by email within a few minutes. If you tick the box on the form, our teachers will also send you a few short emails about preparing for the new HSK. Unsubscribe any time.
I didn't get the email.
Check your spam folder, and in Gmail the Promotions tab. If it still isn't there after ten minutes, write to [email protected] and we'll send it directly.
See the whole climb before you start the next step
One page, every level, from your first tones to academic Chinese.
Send me the roadmap