Grammar Point:
All three of these, 向 xiàng, 往 wǎng, and 从 cóng can be used to indicate direction or position in Chinese. However, they have slightly different nuances and usages:
向 xiàng
It is used to indicate a specific direction or the target of an action. It can also be used to express “towards” or “to.”
向 + Direction + Verb
向前走向前走
Go forward.
向左轉向左拐
Turn left.
她向公園走去她向公园走去
She walks towards the park.
請你向下看,我在下面请你向下看,我在下面
Please look down, I am below.
V + 向 + Direction or Someone
孩子跑向母親孩子跑向母亲
The child runs towards the mother.
讓我們一起走向美好的未來让我们一起走向美好的未来
Let’s walk together towards a better future.
這些水最後都會流向東邊的大海这些水最后都会流向东边儿的大海
All this water will eventually flow into the sea to the east.
你看向西邊,那邊那條河就是淡水河你看向西边儿,那边那条河就是淡水河
Look to the west, and you’ll see the Tamsui River.

Tamsui River
Today, the Tamsui River remains a vital water resource and an integral part of the local ecosystem. It has also become a popular destination for tourists and locals alike due to its scenic beauty and recreational opportunities. The riverside promenades and parks offer a pleasant environment for walking, cycling, and picnicking while enjoying views of the river and the surrounding landscape.
Near the river’s mouth, you can find the historic district of Tamsui, known for its charming old streets, local markets, and colonial-era buildings. Tamsui is a favorite spot for visitors to experience Taiwan’s rich cultural heritage and savor delicious local delicacies while overlooking the river.
Tamsui Lover Bridge
This romantic pedestrian bridge is a popular destination for couples and visitors seeking a beautiful spot to enjoy breathtaking views and sunsets.

往 wǎng
It is used to indicate the general direction of movement or the destination. It is often used interchangeably with 向 xiàng in the first structure.
往 + Direction + Verb
往前走往前走
Go forward.
往左轉往左转
Turn left.
她往公園走去她往公园走去
She walks towards the park.
請你往下看,我在下面请你往下看,我在下面儿
Please look down, I am below.
V + 往 + location
這班飛機會飛往加州这班飞机会飞往加州
This flight is flying to California.
你沿著這條路可以開往溫哥華你沿着这条路可以开往温哥华
You can drive along this road to Vancouver.
她慢慢地走往醫院她慢慢地走往医院
She slowly walks towards the hospital.
這些水最後都會流往海裡这些水最后都会流往海里
All this water will eventually flow into the sea.
从 cóng
It is used to indicate the origin or starting point of movement, expressing “from” or “since.”
从 + Time 1 + (到 + Time 2)
我從8號到11號休假,公司有事也不要聯絡我我从8号到11号休假,公司有事儿也不要联络我
I will be on vacation from the 8th to the 11th, so please do not contact me even if there’s something urgent at the company.
台灣國中生的上課時間是從早上7點半到下午5點台湾国中生的上课时间是从早上7点半到下午5点
In Taiwan, junior high school students have classes from 7:30 in the morning until 5 in the afternoon.
我從2010年就一直住在高雄我从2010年就一直住在高雄
I have been living in Kaohsiung since 2010.
他從昨天就不舒服了他从昨天就不舒服了
He has not been feeling well since yesterday.
从 + Place 1 + 向/到/往 + Place 2
從這裡到捷運站要走多久?从这里到捷运站要走多久?
How long does it take to walk from here to the MRT station?
中文字從左往右寫中文字从左往右写
Chinese characters are written from left to right.
這是從台中往台南的火車这是从台中往台南的火车
This is a train from Taichung to Tainan.
從我家向外看可以看到台北101从我家向外看可以看到台北101
From my house, you can see Taipei 101 when looking outside.
Common Mistakes
他是不是往我眨了下眼?他是不是往我眨了下眼? ❌
Did he wink at me?
(Only 向 xiàng can go with “target + verb”)
狗跑往我狗跑往我 ❌
The dog is running towards me.
(Only 向 xiàng can go with “someone”)
Practice
TouchHover over the space to see the answers.
✔️ I have been working here since graduation.
我從畢業後一直在這裡工作我从毕业后一直在这儿工作
✔️ When the boss asked me to go east, I went east, and I never complain.
老闆要我往東走,我就往東走,從不抱怨老板要我往东走,我就往东走,从不抱怨
✔️ But now, I’ve decided to resign and fly towards freedom.
但是現在我決定要辭職,飛向自由但是现在我决定要辞职,飞向自由