Hey there! Have you ever swung so high that you felt like you could touch the sky? 🌌 Well, in China, there’s a special competition where athletes do just that!
This week, China’s 12th National Traditional Games of Ethnic Minorities kicked off in sunny Sanya, located in Hainan Province. One of the coolest events is the swinging competition, where giant swings soar up to 12 meters high—that’s about as tall as a four-story building! 🏢
But these aren’t ordinary playground swings. Only female athletes get to compete, and they’re divided into two groups based on their weight: under 55 kilograms and 55 kilograms or more. They start from a platform that’s 1.3 meters high and have two main challenges:
- Height Contest: Who can swing the highest using the fewest swings?
- Bell-Touching Contest: Who can ring the most bells in 10 minutes? 🔔
The swings are set up next to a special bell rack. As the athletes swing higher, they reach out to ring the bells—a bit like a high-flying game of tag!
This exciting sport has deep roots in the traditions of the Korean ethnic group in northeast China. Long ago, it’s said that women from noble families, curious about the world outside their homes, would set up swings in their courtyards. By swinging higher and higher, they could catch glimpses of the world beyond their walls. Over time, swinging became a fun activity for women to enjoy during breaks from farming. 🌾
Now, it’s celebrated as a national intangible cultural heritage, which means it’s a special part of China’s rich history and culture.
The National Traditional Games of Ethnic Minorities is one of China’s oldest sports events, starting way back in 1953. This year, about 10,000 athletes from all 56 of China’s ethnic groups are coming together to compete in 17 sports and 139 events! Some competitions, like horse riding, have already happened in places like Xinjiang.
These games are more than just sports—they’re a celebration of culture, diversity, and unity. It’s amazing to see traditions being kept alive and shared with new generations. Who knows? Maybe someday you’ll get to try swinging high into the sky too! 😃
Reference(s):
Ancient swinging gains spotlight at China's National Traditional Games
cgtn.com
