Enjoy some of these traditional Chinese games with your family, perhaps when you are learning about China or celebrating Chinese New Year. Some of them
may seem familiar to you, as they are similar to games that we already know. But many of them give us an interesting insight into another culture
and are an excellent way of extending your studies on China. Explore our collection of traditional Chinese game below...
Blind Man
Chinese children traditionally played "Blind Man" or "Chicken", with exactly the same rules
as our "Blind Man's Bluff".
Cat Catching Mice
A fun chase game which is perfect for the playground or a large room.
Catching Seven Pieces
Originally played with small inch-square rice bags, this traditional Chinese
game is similar to Jacks and Knucklebones and can be played with either, or even
a collection of pebbles, if you don't want to make your own "pieces".
Catch The Dragon's Tail
This traditional Chinese game is great fun for the playground. You will need a
large group of children - at least 10, but the more the merrier!
Fingers Out
This simple game needs two players and can be played anywhere - a fun way to pass the time!
Fishing (Tiu-u or Chinese Dominoes)
This game of Chinese dominoes sounds a little complicated to begin
with but is in fact very simple to play. The name ‘fishing’ comes from the idea
that players ‘fish’ for matching dominoes. You can either print out our dominoes
or make your own more authentic version with popsicle sticks (instructions
included!)
Four Seasons
The Four Seasons game is a traditional Chinese game used to teach the names and
order of the four seasons in a classroom or group setting.
Going To Town
A traditional Chinese girl's game, this one is fun for large gatherings or just
for two. Boys enjoy it too. Good for encouraging kids to work together.
Hawk Catching The Young Chicks
This is a traditional Chinese chase game, to be played outdoors. It is a good
game to play with a mixed age-group.
Hopping Chicken
An energetic game for two or more players. It can be played indoors or out.
Knocking The Stick
Another outdoor Chinese game traditionally played by boys.
Look For Gold
Played with pebbles, this game is similar to Jacks or Knucklebones.
Moon Cake
This playground game needs chalk and at least 4 kids, but preferably more. It is
good for children learning their numbers and easy addition.
Striking The Stick
A complicated outdoor game requiring ingenuity and skill, traditionally played
by boys.
Shuttlecock Games
The shuttlecock - a flying object made out of feathers, known to most of us
through badminton, has been used traditionally in kicking games of skill in
China. Includes a craft idea to make your own shuttlecock.
The Chopstick Game
The Chopstick Game makes a fun racing game for parties and Chinese New Year
gatherings. You can play as individuals or teams.
Throw Coins
A traditional throwing game, with similarities to marbles!
Throwing Fists
This traditional Chinese game can be played by 2 players or quite a large group.
It develops quick thinking, addition and logic skills - but it's also fun!
Throwing The Square
Throwing The Square is a traditional Chinese game which can be played with two
players or teams, indoors or out.
Tiu-u (Fishing)
We have a printable and home-made version of this game, also known as Chinese Dominoes.
Who Touched Me?
This game is similar to Blind Man's Bluff, and works well with large groups of children or at a party.
More Traditional Chinese Games
Traditional Chinese dragon kite
Kites have been popular in China for hundreds of years, and Chinese kites are
very colourful. Traditional shapes include butterflies, fish and dragons like the one above.
The Chinese yo-yo (or pull-bell, or diabolo) has been popular with Chinese boys
and girls for many hundreds of years.
NB Children should not browse video sharing sites unsupervised
Jump rope has been played in China for over 1,500 years, including this "Chinese jump rope" or "Chinese elastics" game which traditionally
requires 3 people to play - but you can make do with two sturdy kitchen chairs for practicing skills on your own! I used to play this for hours
as a child.
NB Children should not browse video sharing sites unsupervised
"If I had my life to live over I would have sat on the lawn with my children and not worried about grass stains." Erma Bombeck
"Whoever you are, there is some younger person who thinks you
are perfect. There is some work that will never be done if you
don't do it. There is someone who would miss you if you were
gone. There is a place that you alone can fill." Jacob M. Braude
