Best-selling Chinese dictionary launches mobile app

Xinhua Dictionary, the reference book with the largest circulation in the world, launched its first mobile app for readers and Chinese learners.

In April 2016, Guinness World Records recognized the Xinhua Dictionary, published by China's Commercial Press, as the "most popular dictionary" and the "best-selling regularly updated book."

The app will provide various search methods, including handwriting input, photo scanning and voice input.

Not only does the app include all of the content in the dictionary's paper edition, but it will also provide value-added services such as quizzes and Chinese character games.

The dictionary's first edition came out in 1953, and as of July 2015 the dictionary had sold 567 million copies globally.

It was the first dictionary written in simplified Chinese, as opposed to the traditional Chinese widely used before the May Fourth Movement in 1919. Since the founding of the People's Republic of China in 1949, 11 editions of the dictionary have been published.

Dubbed the "National Dictionary," Xinhua Dictionary has been a tool for several generations of Chinese people, bearing the culture of a great country and influencing billions. It is also a tool for foreigners who are learning about Chinese language and culture.