Street & traditional games
While I have called this 'street games' it actually encompasses all types of games played regularly by all ages. But often you can see it happening in the street.
You’ll see the aging population playing plenty of street games under the blossoming greenery that lines housing estates and municipal parks. The Chinese are very communal people and often lack the privacy that many Westerners are used to.
Mahjong, a sophisticated and complex domino game as well as 'Chinese Chess' will be played out for hours at a time. It’s worth stopping and watching for a few moments. This is not considered rude at all; looking at someone’s private game is perfectly acceptable although photographing it could cause annoyance or offence.
Chinese Chess uses characters, engraved onto wooden blocks and played out on a grid. This is a great souvenir to take back – but you may want to learn how to play before you leave China because the rules differ considerably from that of Western Chess!
A great way to mingle with ordinary folk is to have a game or three of pool. This familiar pursuit is often found outside street bars and in parks. Young guys will love the chance to have a game with you and defeat is never taken badly.
This is an inexpensive way to relax, chat with the locals and absorb the beauty of Chinese culture.
