Traditional Chinese Toys & Games

Our collection of Chinese toys is crafted with exquisite attention to detail. Traditional and unique, these toys give adults and young children the opportunity to explore and discover one of China’s oldest forms of entertainment that can inspire creativity and adventure.

Chinese Traditional Toys

Top Classical Chinese Traditional Toys

Classical Chinese traditional toys have a long history and cultural significance. Here are some of the top traditional toys:

  1. Diabolo: Also known as the Chinese yo-yo, this toy consists of two cups and a spool connected by a string. The player uses two sticks to manipulate the spool, performing tricks and stunts.
  2. Kongming Lantern: Also called a sky lantern, this paper lantern is released into the air with a small flame, creating a beautiful glowing effect in the night sky.
  3. Jianzi: A shuttlecock game played with a feathered weighted shuttlecock, players use their feet and other body parts to keep the shuttlecock in the air.
  4. Mahjong: A tile-based game played with four players, Mahjong involves strategy and skill in matching tiles and forming winning combinations.
  5. Chinese Knots: Intricate and decorative knots made from various materials, including silk and cotton, and used as adornments for clothing and decorations.
  6. Shadow Puppets: Used to perform traditional Chinese stories, these puppets are made from paper or leather and cast shadows on a screen to create a theatrical effect.
  7. Tangram: A geometric puzzle made from seven pieces, players must arrange the pieces to form various shapes and designs.

First Toy in China

The first toy in China can be traced back to ancient times, with evidence of simple toys made of clay, wood, and other natural materials dating back thousands of years. Some of the oldest known toys in China include pottery dolls, wooden animals, and spinning tops.

One of the most famous and enduring traditional Chinese toys is the yo-yo, which has been played with for over a thousand years. The yo-yo was originally made of wood or bamboo and was used as a weapon in ancient times. However, it eventually evolved into a toy and became popular among children.

Other traditional Chinese toys include kite-flying, shuttlecock kicking, and Chinese puzzle boxes. These toys have been enjoyed by generations of Chinese children and continue to be popular today.

Ancient Chinese Traditional Games for Adults

China has a rich history of traditional games that were played by adults for entertainment and socializing purposes. Here are some examples of ancient Chinese traditional games for adults:

  1. Mahjong: This is a popular game that originated in China during the Qing dynasty. It is played with tiles and involves skill, strategy, and luck. The goal is to create sets of tiles based on certain rules and win by having the highest score.
  2. Go (Weiqi): This is a board game that originated in China over 2,500 years ago. It is played with black and white stones on a grid and involves strategy and spatial reasoning. The goal is to capture your opponent's stones and control more territory on the board.
  3. Xiangqi (Chinese Chess): This is a two-player strategy game that is similar to Western chess. It is played on a board with 32 pieces and involves capturing the opponent's pieces and protecting your own. The goal is to checkmate the opponent's king.
  4. Jianzi: This is a traditional Chinese sport that involves keeping a shuttlecock in the air using only your feet and other body parts. It can be played individually or in groups and is popular among adults for its physical and social benefits.
  5. Chinese Checkers: This is a board game that originated in Germany but gained popularity in China. It is played with marbles on a hexagonal board and involves moving your marbles to the opposite side of the board while blocking your opponents.