• Swords play a large part in Chinese war history.statue of chinese kungfu image by yang xiaofeng from Fotolia.com
  
  Swords have a long history in Chinese culture. The sword history website Swords of the East states that some of the earliest known Chinese swords were bronze and date back to the Shang Dynasty, from around 1700 to 1100 BC. Later, swords began to be forged from other metals such as iron and steel, and the swords would be used during warfare. With these advances in sword crafting, many different styles of swords came to be. Modern swords are based on these swords and are often used in martial arts training.
  
  

Jian

• Jian swords are the earliest sword type within China. These swords feature a long, straight double-edged blade. The sword can be used either single-handedly or with two hands. According to the website 2 Clicks Swords, jian swords either have a weaponry use or a religious, ornamental use. Jian swords used as weapons were favored by Chinese foot soldiers because they could be used as both offense and defense. In religious ceremonies, the swords were crafted from jade and used as an ornamental piece in a ceremony.
  
  

Dao

• Measuring around 3 feet long, the dao sword often features a curved blade designed for slashing and hacking. The dao sword has a single edge and works well as a single-handed sword. Dao swords often come with a pierced hilt, to which a lanyard or tassel is added for decorative purposes. These swords were used in wars by Chinese generals as well as being a replacement for firearms. Martial arts schools often train students using dao swords.
  
  

Butterfly

• Butterfly swords are a shortened version of the dao sword. These swords measure around one and a half feet long and have a single edge. The blade of the butterfly sword features a curved tip and is usually only sharpened fully from about midway on the blade to the tip. Butterfly swords, as reported by 2 Clicks Swords, were often carried in pairs because of their easy storage and concealment. The hilt of the butterfly sword usually features a knuckle guard to protect the user's hands in battle, as well as to trap an opponent's sword.
  
  

Changdao

• The use of the changdao sword dates back to around 1560 during a time in which Chinese soldiers fought against invading Mongolians. The changdao sword measures over 6 feet long and features a thin single-edged blade with a slight curve to it. This sword was designed for two-handed use and was often used during war time.
  
  

Dadao

• Dadao swords, also known as war saber or great sword, require two hands for use because of their size. At nearly 4 feet long, the dadao sword features a broad single-edged blade. The blade is designed with a curve at the tip, making it resemble a German great sword. The website Chinese Swords Guide mentions that dadao swords were often used in battle to slice the legs of opponents' horses to fell them, then used to execute the rider.
  
  

Miaodao

• Another two-handed sword, the miaodao came into use during China's Republican era. The sword's blade is about 4 feet long, narrow and single-edged. According to the website Chinese Swords Guide, the sword's design allows the holder to easily drawn out to cut an opponent at close range, as well as acting as a fulcrum for stabbing.