Chinese chess

Chinese national intangible cultural heritage: chess

Applicant: China Chess Academy

Item No.: 791

Project No.: VI - 19

Time of publication: 2008 (second batch)

Category: traditional sports, recreation and acrobatics

Region: Zhongzhi unit

Type: new item

Applicant: China Chess Academy

Protection unit: chess and card management center of State General Administration of sports (China Chess Academy)

Introduction to chess:

Applicant: China Chess Academy

Chess has a long history and is an important part of Chinese traditional culture. There are chess lovers in China, Asia and even many parts of the world. It is a popular traditional intellectual competitive game. The nine palaces on the chessboard symbolize the imperial palace. The marshals (Generals) representing the emperor and the guards around the emperor can only move in the nine palaces. The Xiang (Xiang) representing the ministers can only walk around the nine palaces. The soldiers (soldiers) representing the soldiers can only move forward but not backward. This kind of layout is a true portrayal of Chinese feudal social life, and its chess playing process has the significance of teaching and learning ancient wars. With the development of the times, chess, which carries Chinese traditional culture, has occupied a place in the world culture with its unique way of thinking and distinctive competitive characteristics.

Chess is easy to learn, but it is difficult to master because of its endless changes. It has many values such as culture, education, competition and entertainment. It has been loved by people since ancient times. With the development of society and the increase of contemporary international exchanges, chess has been widely recognized in the world. The establishment of the World Chess Federation and the Asian Chess Federation has extended the influence of Chinese chess to other countries and regions in the world.

Although chess has a variety of important functions, there are fans in China and even the world, but with the development of economy, the modern social life style has caused a great impact on the traditional cultural sports, chess, the ancient quintessence, is also facing a new crisis, which also needs to be protected.