International Qi Culture Expo Scheduled in Beijing

To show the long history and great significance of Qi culture in China and boost its development in China and the world, Beijing will host the International Expo of Qi Culture from May to June this year.

It will be the first time for China to organize such large Qi gala, integrating forums, exhibitions and games with reviews into one.

The expo will fall into three parts: what will be put on display are Qi manuals, Qi equipment, magazines, super Qi players, etc. Present at the Qi forums will be experts, scholars, and celebrities from home and abroad. Meanwhile, a series of matches on Go, Xiangqi and chess will be held.

Chinese Qi culture enjoys wide popularity and has developed with a history of great antiquity. In ancient times, a scholar must, in addition to having full knowledge of Great Learning, learn the following four major arts: Qing (Music), Qi (Chinese Chess, in Chinese "Xiangqi" and Go), Shu (Calligraphy) and Hua (Brush Painting). Of these, Qi is not only a cultured recreational activity, but also a means to develop one's mental potentials. The permanent popularity of Qi lies in its unique charisma. That is why people of all walks of life, men and women, old and young, go in for playing Qi.



Brief Introduction to Xiangqi and Its Current Development in China
Xiangqi, a precious cultural heritage of China, has a long history and has spread far and wide.

The trace of Xiangqi can be found in Chuchi, an ancient book. The present formula of Xiangqi appeared in the Tang dynasty (618-907), and the design was optimized in the Song dynasty (960-1276).

Today, Xiangqi is one of the most popular recreational and activities and sports in China. There are about 100 million Xiangqi advocates among the Chinese people, that is to say, out of every ten Chinese, there is one who can play Xiangqi.

Xiangqi is a game known among those most popular in the world. It is estimated there are as many as half a billion of people who know how to play the game.

Chinese Chess is a very popular game in China. You often can see people play the game on street using a large chess set. Some players may hit the board hard at some moves to show his power. Since the pieces are large (about 2 inches in diameter), the effect is dramatic. They may also say or sing something to do the trick. Usually there are a few people watching the game. If they know both players (sometimes even they don't know the players), they may point out some moves for one or both players. To prevent the helpers to say anything during a game, the players often remind them by saying 'watching but not telling, a true gentleman'.


By PD Online Staff Yin Zhili


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