When did Chinese first begin using written language?

The earliest known examples of Chinese writing date back to the Shang dynasty, which ruled China from 1600 to 1046 BCE.

However, it's important to note:

* The origins of Chinese writing are still debated. While the Shang dynasty is widely considered the starting point, there might be earlier forms of writing that haven't been discovered yet.

* Writing didn't become widespread until the Zhou dynasty. The Shang dynasty used writing primarily for divination and record-keeping, while the Zhou dynasty saw a significant increase in the use of writing for administrative, literary, and other purposes.

So, while the exact date of the first use of Chinese writing is uncertain, the Shang dynasty (1600-1046 BCE) is generally considered the period when it emerged.