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The Changdao, also spelled as Chang Dao or ChangaDao, is a Chinese two-handed sword developed and used to defeat the Japanese pirates (Wokou) of the 15th century. It is said to have very similar characteristics to the Miaodao sword.
In this article, we will discuss the characteristics of the Changdao sword and explain how it is different from other types of Chinese weapons. Here, we will review its terminology, its history, and how it evolved to the modern version we know today.
Characteristics of the Changdao
A 5.6 feet (1.7 meters) long Changdao sword and its details – Credits: WikiMedia
The Changdao sword is sometimes called the “Chinese katana” because this sword was inspired by the Japanese katana. However, the Changdao sword is larger in size and closely resembles the Japanese Odachi or Naginata swords.
Blade
The Changdao, a long Chinese sword, has a blade length between 4.2 and 5.2 feet (1.3 to 1.6 meters), which is longer than most traditional Chinese swords.
Designed for practical use during a time when guns were present, it’s a single-edged, two-handed sword optimized for slashing.
Modern Changdao swords feature a spherical pipe in the blade’s backbone, contributing to their lightness, a trait shared with the Miaodao.
Handle
The handle of the Changdao is 1 to 1.5 feet (30 to 35 cm) long, making it a little bit bigger than all other Chinese swords.
This large handle allows the user to employ it as both a spear and a sword, which is why Changdao swords were used in the front lines of the Duck formation.
In addition, the handle of the Changdao is always wrapped. This gives the sword much better grip and power.
Guard
The guard of the Changdao is circularly shaped, offering protection to the wielder’s hands. The design of the guard is directly influenced by the Japanese art and style of making swords.
Scabbard
The scabbard for the Changdao is made out of wood material. It is slightly longer than the typical Chinese scabbard and, therefore, slightly heavier, weighing around 0.66 to 0.88 lbs (300 to 400 grams). The total weight of a sheathed Changdao is about 3.7 lbs (1.7 kg).
Length, Size and Wieght
Sheathing the long Changdao sword can be quite a task – Credits: WikiMedia
The total length of the Changdao sword is 3.9 to 5.9 feet (1.2 to 1.8 meters) and can reach a length of as much as 6.5 feet (2 meters)! The extensive length will make this sword very powerful for both long and short strikes.
The Changdao weighs around 2.6 to 3.3 lbs (1.2 to 1.5kg). However, it is still a very light sword, despite its size and status as a long saber.
Curvature
The Changdao is a saber with a very slight, soft curve. The curve starts at the neck of the sword (located above the guard), where the balance point is, and goes all the way to the tip of the blade.
It has a Japanese-styled curve, giving sword users numerous ways to kill with slashes and stabs.
Terminology
Changdao, a two-handed long Chinese saber – Credits: Mandarin Mansion Antiques
In Chinese, Changdao means long saber or can even be translated as staff saber.
The Changdao was often used as a general term for two-handed longswords during the Ming dynasty. It was also the name of a type of weapon that was used to fight against horses. This is where the confusion stems from with the terminology of this sword.
Historical archives state that the Changdao sword was used in the battle against the Japanese pirates. Led by General Qi’s innovativeness, both the Japanese and Chinese Jian weapons informed the creation of this sword.
The modern term for this sword is Miaodao. Fencing in China became very popular during the 1920s, and the Miaodao became a national symbol. Consequently, the Miaodao essentially became the new Changdao.
Is ChangDao the Modern MiaoDao?
If you are looking to buy a Changdao, which may be available on the market, search for a Miaodao sword instead. The Changdao is the original sword used to defeat the Wokou (Japanese pirates) and was also created in this period. The Miaodao is a very similar sword, with only a few differences.
Both Miaodao and Changdao share a similar history. However, the Miaodao, made in the 1920s, was crafted with more modern traits.
This is how they differ from each other:
Edge & Blade – The Changdao is a two-handed sword with a single edge, whereas the Miaodao is called a “two-edged sword.” Both have full tangs.
Backbone – The backbone of a modern Changdao sword is a spherical pipe, while the first Changdao swords probably didn’t have them. The Miaodao shares a similar characteristic and is the main reason why both blades are so light.
Handles – Changdao handles are always wrapped. The modern Miaodao, on the other hand, has a handle made of polished wood. The wrapped handle makes the sword much easier to hold and gives it much more power.
Length – The length of the Changdao sword is 3.9 to 5.9 feet (1.2 to 1.8 meters). It is much longer than the Miaodao, reaching only 4.5 feet (1.4 meters).
Weight – Since the Changdao sword is longer than the Miaodao, it makes sense that it weighs more than the Miaodao.
The length and size are the biggest differences between the Changdao and the Miaodao. The Miaodao is a modern invention that is slightly shorter to fit its needs.
When it comes to curved Chinese swords, Changdao is first. That is why you may notice that Changdao is sometimes referred to as the Chinese katana (because it was made when China opposed Japan). The Changdao, however, has been somewhat forgotten as the new term, Miaodao, has taken over.
A dedicated historian through and through, David is a 26-year-old history graduate with numerous certificates to his name. In college, he excelled in the study of ancient, medieval, and modern history, consistently achieving top grades. His interest in history and swords was ignited by his father, a retired blacksmith who skillfully worked with various types of iron and steel to produce knife and sword blades of all sizes.
Juliana has been writing for nearly thirty years and concentrates on Tudor and Medieval history. She has written for Tudor Dynasty, Tudor Writing Circle, Historian Matt Lewis, and others. Juliana currently writes for Pen and Sword Publishers and is the author of several books, including Medicine in the Middle Ages and A History of Insanity and the Asylum.
