Tech, etymology add fun to 'hanzi' learning

"Tapping the wealth of Uncle Hanzi's decades-long research and his strong database, we are able to show learners the evolution of Chinese characters correctly," said Shiwangme founder and CEO Zhang Shuai.

The augmented reality featured in the cards "would definitely offer users high-tech thrills and make the interactive learning experience much more fun", Zhang added.

Released under the brand Chinese Book Store, co-created by Sears and Zhang in 2018, Chinese Character Origin Cards has received positive market feedback.

Launched July 1 on Modian, a Chinese platform specializing in crowd-funding cultural creative projects, the Chinese Character Origin Cards project raised more than 113,000 yuan ($16,385) within a month, nearly five times higher than its original fundraising goal.