Top 10 ethnic groups sporting events

Editor's note:
The 55 ethnic groups make up only a small proportion of the overall Chinese population, but they are distributed extensively throughout different regions of the country. They have developed their own special ways to express their vigor and enthusiasm, by playing unique and traditional sporting games. The varied events, rooted deeply in their local folk customs and reflecting their own cultures and history, have been loved by the native people who perform them mostly in traditional festivals. Almost all the events are derived from a productive activity of times gone by. The groups inhabiting natural grasslands develop their gift for riding horses and shooting, while people who live by hunting are good at climbing, wrestling, jumping and shooting. Here we present the best ethnic sporting events of the year.

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Girl chasing

Girl-chasing, called Guniangzhui in Chinese, is a traditional sport and recreation of the Kazak ethnic group on festivals and weddings. A young man and a young woman from two different tribes ride on two horses tied together for a round trip. On the way, the guy is allowed to tease the girl in a playful way, kissing or hugging. But on the way back, in return, the girl will chase and try to whip the guy who is galloping on the horse. The game used to be a form of blind date and is now played as a sports game also by the married. >>>

Crossbow firing

Crossbow-firing, also known as Shenu in Chinese, is a sport where competitors try to take aim and hit the bull's eye by firing arrows from the crossbow. The criterion lies in the distance and accuracy. It is a game similar to archery but more popular for thousands of years in ethnic groups such as the Miao, Yi, Yao, Lahu, Lisu, and Lili. Crossbow shooting contests are often held during festivals and galas and a regular competition event at the ethnic sports games. >>>

Swinging

Swinging, known as Dangqiuqian in Chinese, is a favorite activity for women of Korean ethnic group in China, usually held during holidays. The competitors try to reach the copper bells tied with a colored ribbon hung over the swing as much as possible when swinging up to win out. The high flying, graceful and daring performers are greeted by cheers and applause from spectators. >>>

Stilt racing

Stilt running race, known as Gaojiao Jingsu in Chinese, is a popular sprint sport event. Contenders are required to run on stilts, made of two bamboo or wooden poles, attached to their lower legs. It is originated from the Miao ethnic groups, whose ancestors used to walk on stilts to escape from the frequent floodwater in ancient times. It is now a regular competition event at the ethnic sports games. >>>

Elephant tug of war

Elephant-tug-of-war, known as Yajia in Chinese, is a two-player traditional sport popular among the Tibetan ethnic group. The players put the ends of a rope around their neck, and pass it between their legs, as they try to pull the rope and the rival, competing back to back. When the middle point of the rope passes a set line, the game is over. The game is often held on hard and flat ground. People usually enjoy it during the festivals and they also play it in daily life. >>>

Firework snatching

Firework-snatching, known in China as Qianghuapao, is a traditional sport of many ethnic groups including the Zhuang, Miao and Dong. The traditional way of playing is to launch a firework into the air and young men compete to get it. The arena could be any places, even ponds, cliffs, and so it is called a "game of brave guys". But the game has been improved into a new style, similar to American football, spanning 40 minutes in two 20-minute halves, with a ten minute break. The firework has been replaced by safer rubber disc with a diameter of 15 cm. >>>

Camel racing

Camel-racing, known as Sailuotuo in Chinese, is a traditional sport among ethnic groups living in the desert areas. Often in festivals, people race or try to aim at a target on camels. >>>

Bamboo kayaking

Bamboo-kayaking, called Duzhupiao in Chinese, is a traditional sport in Guizhou province. Athletes, wearing no shoes, use single sticks of bamboo as boats and oars to move forward in the water. The bamboo boats are 20 centimeters in diameter and 10 meters in length. The oars are 5 cm in diameter and 4 meters in length. It is a famous performance for travelers to Guizhou, especially during the holidays and festivals. >>>

Throwing silk balls

Throwing silk balls, called Paoxiuqiu in China, is a traditional activity in festivals marking the blooming season or harvest time and a unique manner of expressing emotions to the object of one's affection among the youth of the Zhuang ethnic group. Xiuqiu is an embroidered ball made of strips of silk, sewn by girls and symbolizing their beauty and wisdom. It can be made in the shape of round, square, octagonal, crescent or even like a fish or duck, stuffed with grains or sand inside. When playing the game, young men and women, divided into two teams, throw the ball into the other team's court, and their opponents try to catch the ball before it hits the ground. If they fail to do so, they have to sing a song or give a performance. >>>

Power wrestling

Power wrestling is a traditional sport popular in many ethnic groups. People can use different body parts to wrestle, like the neck and wrist. >>>