Classical Chinese

Short definition from Wiktionary

Proper noun

1. 1
   The written Chinese language used from the Zhou Dynasty (1045 B.C.E.) (especially the Spring and Autumn Period), through to the end of the Han Dynasty (220 C.E.). In Chinese, 古文 (gǔwén, “Ancient Writing”) or, formally, 古典漢語 /古典汉语 (“Classical Chinese”). The language of many classics of Chinese literature.
2. 2
   The written Chinese language used from the Zhou Dynasty (1045 B.C.E.) to the early 20th century.