宋体字

noun

Song typeface; standard Chinese printing font characterized by square form, thin horizontal strokes and thick vertical strokes

Originated in the mid-Ming dynasty (despite the name suggesting Song dynasty). The name 'Song type' is actually a historical misnomer. To distinguish it from 'Imitation Song type' (仿宋体) — which has uniformly thin strokes and resembles actual Song dynasty book fonts — this original style is also called 'Old Song type' (老宋体).