Traditional Chinese Colors: 150+ Swatches with Hex Codes

FAQ

What are traditional Chinese colors?

These are historically significant hues used in Chinese art, textiles, and architecture for millennia. Many derive their names from natural pigment sources like cinnabar, gamboge, and indigo. The system is also deeply rooted in the "Five Elements" (Wu Xing) theory, which associates five primary colors with natural forces: red (fire), yellow (earth), blue-green (wood), white (metal), and black (water).

How do I use this tool?

To use a color, simply click on its swatch to copy the hex code to your clipboard. You can filter the collection by color family using the category tabs or use the search bar to find specific shades by pinyin, English name, or hex value. Each card displays the pinyin, Chinese characters, English translation, and hex code.

Why do so many names reference plants and minerals?

Prior to the invention of synthetic dyes, pigments were extracted directly from the earth and flora—such as cinnabar ore for reds, indigo leaves for blues, and gamboge tree sap for yellows. Consequently, these color names often serve as a record of both the visual shade and the raw material used to create it.

Can I use these hex codes in design work?

Yes. These hex codes are compatible with CSS, Figma, Adobe Photoshop, and any standard design software. The palette is characterized by muted, earthy tones that pair effectively with aesthetics inspired by classical Chinese ink painting, porcelain, or silk textiles.

How many colors are included?

The collection features over 150 named colors categorized into red, pink, orange, yellow, green, blue, purple, brown, white, gray, and black. Every entry includes the pinyin, Chinese characters, and an English translation.

Which dynasties shaped this color system?

The origins of these color names date back to Shang dynasty oracle bones (c. 1600–1046 BCE). The Zhou dynasty later formalized the Five Elements framework. During the Tang dynasty (618–907), trade along the Silk Road introduced a wider range of pigments, while the Song dynasty (960–1279) reached new levels of sophistication in ceramic and painting gradients. Names from all these eras remain in common use today.