Zhang Xuguang, a calligrapher, gives a lesson to UN officials in May 2013. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

Calligraphy is the most talked-about icon of Chinese culture, according to data from the instant messaging app WeChat.

The WeChat Index, using big data technology, measures the popularity of key words on the app by quantifying the records of users' searches and viewings.

A comparison of key words of some of the most recognized symbols of Chinese culture shows that calligraphy is the most popular among them. For example, data from June 11 shows that the calligraphy score is nearly triple that of poetry and six times that of traditional Chinese painting.

WeChat is an instant messaging app with a user base of 890 million as of the end of 2016. The WeChat Index is a big data technology-based mini-app that was launched in March to analyze the popularity of key words during a certain period of time.

Calligraphy is one of the highest forms of Chinese art. Its history dates back to the Shang Dynasty (c. 16th century-11th century BC) when people carved inscriptions on animal bones or bronze to receive auspice regarding military affairs and agricultural harvests.