During ancient times, children didn't have a smart phone, iPad or computer to enjoy themselves. However, they came up with many interestingto play in their childhood.
Kicking stone ballsKicking stone balls is one of the best examples of such games. During the Qing Dynasty, kicking a stone ball around was very popular, especially in the northern part of China. As it was too cold there in winter, people often played stone balls to keep . Stones were made into small balls and kicked with feet.
Flying kitesKites have quite a long history - it was invented in the Dongzhou Dynasty. At that time, there was no paper, so the earliest kites were all made of wood of it. Nowadays, the three most famous kites are the Beijing kite, Tianjin kite and Weifang kite, which each has its own colors and sizes.
Playing hide-and-seekHide-and-seek is another traditional game for children. There are two ways to play. One way is covering a child's eyes while other kids run around to tease (逗弄) him. If he catches a player, the player will take his place and continue to catch others. The second way is more common. Players hide first and one child must try to find.
Watching shadow playsThe most similar thing to watching a film or television for fun during ancient times was to watch a shadow play. Folk artists control puppets (木偶) behind the screen, telling stories music on.
Playing diabolo (空竹)Diabolo, often called Chinese Yo-Yo, is quite popular in Beijing. It is often made of bamboo or wood. When playing diabolo on ropes, you can hear a special but musical
. It can be very challenging to play diabolo. But with years of efforts and practice, an excellent performer can throw and catch diabolo on a rope easily, just like a magician.
Playing "eagle (老鹰) & chicken"One acts as the eagle, one as the mother chicken and the rest as chicks. Chicks stand in a line behind mother chicken. Each chick holds the clothes of the one in front. the mother chicken's job is to protect the chicks with her arms, the eagle tries hard to catch the chicks. If one chick is caught, it should the role with the eagle and the game will restart.