Ancient games in China were not just forms of but played a crucial role in shaping the cultural, social, and even military landscape of society. Chinese people engaged in these activities, which provided a platform for social gatherings that extended beyond class boundaries. In this article, we will explore some of the most important ancient games in China as we dive deeper into their rich sporting culture and history.
Weiqi
Weiqi, popularly known as Go, is an ancient board game that has ruled the hearts of Chinese for over 2500 years. It is also considered one of the oldest board games that is still played today. The game features a square board marked with a grid of 19 vertical and horizontal lines each, creating 361 intersections.
The players are supposed to control more territory than their opponents. The game is extremely important as it’s not just a cultural influence; it also has cognitive benefits, making it one of the most popular ancient games in China.
Xiangqi
Xiangqi, commonly known as Chinese Chess, is a strategic board game that has captivated players for centuries. The game is played on a 9×10 board with pieces placed at the intersections of the lines. Each player gets 16 pieces, with players choosing red moving first and taking each turn. It holds a significant cultural and social value in China as it symbolizes strategic thinking and tactical planning, often contributing to curating military strategy. If you like modern chess, then this game is a must-try.
Cuju
Cuju is an ancient Chinese ball game that is often considered to be a predecessor of modern football. Its name literally means to kick a leather ball and dates back over 2300 years. It originated during the Warring States Period and was played by military personnel to retain their physical fitness and coordination.
It’s played in teams on a rectangular field with goals at each end, with two teams aiming to score the most goals. It served as an effective training exercise for soldiers and an interesting way to unite the social classes, making it one of the best ancient games in China.
Jianzi
Jianzi is a traditional Chinese game with a rich history dating back over 2000 years. It’s a part of the cultural identity of the Chinese people as it originated during the rule of the Han Dynasty, and the game evolved from a similar game, Cuju. The game involved players using their feet to keep a weighted shuttlecock, known as a jianzi, in the air, showing their skills and teamwork.
The objective is to keep the shuttlecock in the air while avoiding the use of hands and using feet and other body parts. It was seen as a primary activity to maintain physical fitness and promote social interaction as it’s played in teams. Over the years, Jianzi has transformed from a folk pastime into a formal competitive sport with established rules and tournaments.
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