Clear standards,
recommended levels.
Shanhai Story’ HSK labels are editorial reading recommendations. They are not official HSK certification and do not predict an examination score.
Level framework
Our primary reference is the Chinese Proficiency Grading Standards for International Chinese Language Education (GF0025-2021). Automated analysis checks vocabulary coverage, unsupported terms, sentence length, and clause load. An editorial pass then checks grammar, naturalness, narrative clarity, pinyin, translation, and cultural context.
What “recommended” means
“Recommended for HSK 3 learners” means that a learner who has completed the main vocabulary and grammar of that level should be able to read the story with the support provided. Cultural names and story-specific words may sit above the level, but important ones are explained in Key vocabulary.
Text and translation
- Each Hanzi is paired with its own pinyin syllable.
- Each Chinese segment has a corresponding English translation.
- Retellings preserve the story’s essential action while using clear modern Chinese.
- Cultural notes distinguish popular legend from established history.
Corrections
Language learning content improves through careful correction. If you find a problem with pinyin, translation, level, or cultural context, please send the story URL and the sentence concerned through our contact page.