The Sui Dynasty (581-618) existed for less than 40 years. However, it was during this time that kai shu began to come of age and new styles were adopted, finally reaching its zenith in the Tang Dynasty (618-907).

Li Shimin (599-646), the second emperor of the Tang Dynasty, loved Wang Xizhi's calligraphy and spent a lot of money searching for and collecting Wang's calligraphy works.

There were four great calligraphers in the early Tang Dynasty. They were Yu Shinan, Ouyang Xun, Chu Suiliang and Xue Ji. During the mid-Tang period, Yan Zhenqing, one of the most important Chinese calligraphers, emerged. He changed the style of earlier Tang significantly. His calligraphy works are solemn, dignified, stately, and majestic. Liu Gongquan after him created a style which is thin yet full of energy.

Cursive script also achieved its historical breakthrough during this time. Zhang Xu, Huai Su and Sun Guoting, who mastered this style, are considered to be among the best cursive calligraphers of all time.