象棋, Xiàngqí

If you see a cluster of men on the streets of China, chances are they are playing Chinese chess. I  can’t do Chinese chess justice. The game is set up everywhere on the streets of China. The Chinese men will play the game even in this cold weather. Men sit on squatty chairs and other men gathered around the chess’s board to watch what the game players will do next. For a foreigner the people watching aspect in quite entertaining. These men really get into their moves. The same group of men play this game for hours.

I am really impressed with some of these men and their creativity. I have seen on occasions boards that were hand made, a simple design from a black felt marker on a thin piece of plywood. These Chinese men love the game of chess. If you are interested in learning the game then click here.

 

What kind of games do people play on the streets in your neighborhood?