This paper proposes a novel approach for generating a multi-scroll chaotic system. Together with the theoretical design and numerical simulations, three different types of attractor are available, goveed by constructing triangular wave, sawtooth wave and hysteresis sequence. The presented new multi-scroll chaotic system is different from the classical multi-scroll chaotic Chua system in dimensionless state equations, nonlinear functions and maximum Lyapunov exponents. In addition, the basic dynamical behaviours, including equilibrium points, eigenvalues, eigenvectors, eigenplanes, bifurcation diagrams and Lyapunov exponents, are further investigated. The success of the design is illustrated by both numerical simulations and circuit experiments.