Ancient sport games in Dunhuang frescoes

A fresco in Cave 420 of Mogao Grottoes illustrates two people swimming. [Photo/WeChat Account of Dunhuang Academy China]

As athletes from around the world fight to fulfill their Olympic dreams in Rio, Dunhuang Academy China released a series of Dunhuang frescoes featuring ancient people's sporting games.

Some 20 kinds of games found their way in the frescoes, including archery, wrestling, martial arts and swimming. According to historical records, these games became regular entertainment for ancient Chinese people before the Song and Yuan Dynasties (960-1368).

Weightlifting was also reflected in the frescoes about lifting an elephant and a heavy bell, which are the earliest image records of this game in China.