What traditional games do Chinese people play

Thursday, December 11, 2025

Traditional games have always played an integral role in Chinese culture, serving as a means of entertainment, social interaction, and cultural preservation. In this blog post, we'll take a closer look at some of the traditional games cherished by Chinese people throughout history.

Mahjong 麻将 (má jiàng)

Mahjong is perhaps one of the most iconic traditional games in Chinese culture. Played with a set of beautifully decorated tiles, Mahjong is a game of strategy, skill, and luck. It's often enjoyed by family members and friends during gatherings, festivals, and special occasions. With its rich history and deep cultural significance 重要性 (zhòng yào xìng), Mahjong continues to be a beloved pastime for people of all ages in China.

重要性 (zhòng yào xìng), noun, significance

Examples:

  1. The significance of this event cannot be overstated.
    这个事件的重要性不可低估。
    Zhège shìjiàn de zhòngyàoxìng bù kě dīgū.
  2. Understanding the cultural significance of traditional festivals is important.
    了解传统节日的文化重要性很重要。
    Liǎojiě chuántǒng jiérì de wénhuà zhòngyàoxìng hěn zhòngyào.

Chinese Chess 象棋 (xiàng qí)

Chinese Chess, also known as Xiangqi, is another traditional game deeply rooted in Chinese history. Played on a board divided into grids, Chinese Chess involves two players maneuvering their pieces across the board strategically to capture the opponent's king. With its intricate rules and strategic gameplay, Chinese Chess is not only a source of entertainment but also a way to exercise one's cognitive abilities and strategic thinking.

Diabolo 抖空竹 (xiàng qí)

Diabolo, also known as Chinese yo-yo, is a traditional toy that has captivated the hearts of Chinese people for centuries. It consists of a spool and two sticks, with players performing various tricks 技巧 (jì qiǎo) and stunts by spinning and tossing the diabolo into the air. Diabolo not only promotes dexterity and hand-eye coordination but also showcases the beauty of traditional Chinese craftsmanship and culture.

 技巧 (jì qiǎo), noun, tricks

Examples:

  1. He showed us some cool tricks with cards.
    他给我们展示了一些酷炫的卡牌技巧。
    Tā gěi wǒmen zhǎnshì le yīxiē kùxuàn de kǎpái jìqiǎo.
  2. Learning new tricks can be fun and challenging.
    学习新技巧既有趣又具挑战性。
    Xuéxí xīn jìqiǎo jì yǒuqù yòu jù tiǎozhàn xìng.

Key Sentences:

  1. We often play mahjong together with my family on weekends.
    我们家人经常在周末一起玩麻将。
    Wǒmen jiārén jīngcháng zài zhōumò yīqǐ wán má jiàng.
  2. I enjoy playing Chinese chess with my friends because it makes me think more.
    我喜欢和朋友下象棋，因为它让我思考更多。
    Wǒ xǐhuān hé péngyǒu xià xiàng qí, yīnwèi tā ràng wǒ sīkǎo gèng duō.
  3. The children are playing diabolo in the park, and the scene is very lively.
    孩子们在公园里玩抖空竹，场面非常热闹。
    Háizimen zài gōngyuán lǐ wán dǒu kōng zhú, chǎngmiàn fēicháng rènào.

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