The game begins with the player placing a bet. Each player takes turns moving to position their pieces in a way that will allow them to capture the opponent’s pieces and, ultimately, their general. The objective of Xiangqi is to capture the opponent’s general (king). Each player has 16 pieces, which include the general, advisors, elephants, horses, chariots, and soldiers.
The game board has nine rows and ten columns. However, the modern Xiangqi game began to form during the Song Dynasty (960-1279 AD) with the introduction of new pieces and rule modifications. The earliest written records of Xiangqi date back to the Tang Dynasty (618-907 AD). Xiangqi, also known as Chinese chess, is a board game similar to Western chess but has distinct differences in gameplay and piece movements. Let’s discover the world of traditional games in China. This article will offer a fascinating glimpse into the history of the top 10 most unique and famous traditional Chinese games and how to play them.Ĭhina’s traditional games often have simple rules, making them accessible and fun for everyone. The games have evolved, reflecting China’s history and culture.įrom strategy-based board games like Pai Gow and Xiangqi to tile-based games like Mahjong, ancient Chinese games provide entertainment, education, and social interaction. Traditional games play a vital part in China’s rich cultural heritage.
