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Ancient Chinese Games for Children

China's history dates back to the earliest written records of mankind. China is noted for many cultural achievements, such as martial arts, the Great Wall, use of canals and a complex civilization that has lasted to this day. The Chinese didn't spend all their time on such serious achievements though; the children of China had fun pastimes in the form of games.

Blind Man
- Blind Man, also called Chicken, is an ancient Chinese game based on the Chinese parable, "Six Blind Men and the Elephant." The story dates back to China's first dynasty, known as the Zhou Dynasty, and the game also dates back to this era. All you need is a blindfold and a room large enough to contain five or more children. One of the children is "it." Blindfolded, he has to catch one of the other children. After catching someone, the child who is "it" must guess the caught who he caught by feeling the other person's face and hair. If he guesses correctly, then that child becomes "it." This game is appropriate for people aged 6 or older.
Weiqi
- Weiqi is a culturally significant and ancient board game played in China, Japan and Korea. The exact origin of the game is unknown; however, according to Tradgames.org, Weiqi was believed to have been invented between 2225-2206 BC by Emperor Shun for his son. Weiqi is a strategy game similar to chess or checkers. Children in China start playing the game at a very early age; as they mature, so does their strategy and the overall intensity of the game. Weiqi can be purchased online or from Chinese and Asian markets.
Catch the Dragon
- Catch the Dragon's Tail is a traditional Chinese children's game that requires at least 10 children. All children line up behind one child who is the dragon's head and place their hands on the child's shoulder in front of them. The head of the line tries to maneuver the line so that she can catch the dragon's tail -- the last person in line. The rest of the children try to prevent this from happening. If the head catches the tail, the tail becomes the new head, and each player moves back a spot in line.
Chinese Ball
- Chinese Ball is an active outside game that helps hone concentration and reflexes. The game requires at least 10 children and one basketball or kickball to play. The kids stand in a circle, and someone throws the ball quickly across the circle. When a person catches the ball, each person standing near that person has to raise his arm, the one closest to the ball, in the air. The person with the ball throws it to whomever he chooses, and the process repeats itself. If a player does not raise the correct arm, does not catch the ball or takes too long to throw the ball, then he is out. The last five are the winners.

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