They changed shape significantly through the centuries and are named according to standard shapes. As well, different regions of China have their distinctive styles. They are characterised by a whole or partially curved profile and come in a large range of sizes, sometimes attached to the end of a long staff and known as "Long-handled Broadswords" (see halberd).

Dao were popular with central Asian cavalry, especially that of the Mongols and Manchu. The most recent versions were used by some Chinese militia units against Japanese invaders in the Second World War. Many Chinese martial arts schools still train extensively with the dao, seeing it as a powerful conditioning tool and a versatile weapon.