Traditional Chinese Games
Enjoy some of these traditional Chinese games with your family, perhaps when
you are learning about China or celebrating Chinese New Year.
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!
Chinese Ball NEW!
This traditional Chinese playground game develops children's ball skills and
their concentration - it really keeps them on their toes!
Chinese Dominoes NEW!
Also known as Fishing or Tiu-u
Fingers Out
This simple game needs two players and can be played anywhere - a fun way to
while away the time!
Fishing (Tiu-u or Chinese Dominoes) NEW!
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!)
Forcing The City Gates
A rough outdoor game for boys.
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.
Honor
A simple, traditional boy's game
Hopping Chicken
NEW!
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 NEW!
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 NEW!
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) NEW!
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
The Chinese yo-yo (or pull-bell, or diabolo) has been popular with Chinese boys
and girls for many hundreds of years.
Learn some
Chinese yo-yo tricks here
Jump Rope
Jump rope has been played in China for over 1,500 years! The game was
traditionally called "jumping one hundred threads" and ropes were made out of
many different materials, including twisted grass. Chinese children jumped rope
on their own or in groups.
Kites
Kites have been popular in China for hundreds of years, and Chinese kites are
very colorful. Traditional shapes include butterflies, fish and dragons. You can
color in some Chinese Kites here and
here.
See also China for Kids
See also Chinese New Year Games
Back to Kids Games and Activities
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