7 Fun Traditional Chinese Games to Play Outdoors

7 Fun Chinese games for your next picnic 🪀

China has a rich history of traditional games passed down through generations and still alive today in parks, schoolyards, and neighborhoods.

With the weather warming up, there's no better time to step outside and try these classic Chinese outdoor activities for yourself 🪀

7 Fun Traditional Chinese

Games to Play Outdoors

01. Shuttlecock Kicking

Originally played during the Han Dynasty, 毽子 (jiànzi) was a favorite pastime of warriors to improve agility - and today, it's still a popular game in schoolyards and parks across China.‍

踢毽子

tī jiànzi

to kick shuttlecock

 RULES 

• Play solo or in a circle with friends.
• Use any part of your lower body to keep the shuttlecock in the air.
• Don't let it drop!

02. Chinese Rope Skipping

This classic game is especially popular among schoolgirls in China and is great for developing coordination and rhythm.

跳长绳

tiào cháng shéng

Chinese rope skipping

 RULES 

• Two players stand opposite each other, each holding one end of the rope, while the third player jumps through the rope.
• As the game progresses, the rope may be raised from ankles to knees, hips, and beyond.
  
  
  

03. Chinese Yo-Yo

Also known as the diabolo, this traditional toy has been entertaining Chinese families for centuries. Using two sticks connected by a string, players spin and toss a two-headed spool in the air, performing all sorts of tricks.

抖空竹

dǒu kōngzhú

to play diabolo

lit. "shaking-sky-bamboo"

// Picture source: 百度百科

 PRO TIP 

If you're just starting out, go for a rubber diabolo. It spins longer and is easier to control than the classic bamboo ones.

04. Cat's Cradle

翻花绳 (fān huā shéng) is a quiet test of creativity and coordination, perfect for two or more players.

翻花绳

fān huā shéng

to play cat's cradle (string game)

// Picture source: 百度百科

With just a looped string and nimble fingers, players take turns creating and transforming patterns like:

⭐️ 星星 (xīngxing) - star

🐠 金鱼 (jīnyú) - goldfish

🦋 蝴蝶 (húdié) - butterfly

🌸 花朵 (huāduǒ) - blossom

 RULES 

• You'll need a one-meter looped string.
• One player begins by forming a basic shape using their fingers.‍
• The next player picks up the shape and transforms it into something new.
• Continue until the string gets tangled or no more moves are left.

05. Play Bean Bag Toss

丢沙包 (diū shā bāo) is a popular traditional Chinese game for kids in the 80s.

沙包 (shā bāo) or bean bag, is typically made from coarse cloth, sewn into a three-inch square or round pouch, and filled with fine sand or grains like corn.

丢沙包

diū shā bāo

to play bean bag toss

// Picture source: 百度百科

 RULES 

• At least 3 players are needed.
• Players at each end throw the beanbag, trying to hit the players in the middle.
• If you get hit, you're out—but if you catch the beanbag, you earn an extra life.

06. Hopscotch

Literally meaning "jump-house", this game is a playground classic around the world, and it's just as popular in China.

跳房子

tiào fángzi

to play hopscotch

lit. "to jump-house"

// Picture source: 百度百科

 RULES 

Toss a small object into numbered triangles or a pattern of rectangles outlined on the ground and then hop or jump through the spaces and retrieve the object.

07. Square Dancing

Living in China, you'll often see public squares come alive with music and synchronized movements.

广场舞 (guǎngchǎngwǔ), or square dancing, is a beloved pastime—especially among middle-aged and elderly women (but everyone's welcome).

广场舞

guǎngchǎngwǔ

square dancing

// Picture source: 百度百科

Practice with Teachers

              

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