Enjoy the Best Chinese Board Games for Family Fun Night

Bring your family and friends together for a unique cultural experience playing a collection of popular Chinese board games. These games have all been crafted by Chinese creators and most are set in the real-world or fantasy-versions of China. The mechanics range from card management to role-playing, with dice rolling, bluffing, war components, and other engines at play throughout. Some of the games are appropriate for kids as young as 10, with others good for 8 and up, or 12 and up due to mature themes like horror or emotional exploration.

Introduction to Chinese Board Games

Chinese board games have a rich history that spans thousands of years, offering a fascinating glimpse into Chinese culture and traditions. These traditional Chinese board games are not just pastimes but are deeply embedded in the social and cultural fabric of China. From the strategic depth of Chinese Chess (Xiangqi) to the intricate patterns of Go, these games have been enjoyed by generations and continue to captivate players around the world.

The origins of many Chinese board games can be traced back to ancient times, where they were often played by scholars and nobles as a way to develop strategic thinking and mental acuity. For instance, Chinese Chess, also known as a figure game, is believed to have evolved from original Indian chess. Unlike Western Chess, it involves unique pieces and rules that reflect ancient Chinese military strategies. Similarly, Go, known for its simple rules yet profound strategy, has been a staple of Chinese intellectual culture for millennia.

In this article, we will explore the world of Chinese board games, delving into their history, rules, and the benefits they offer. Whether you’re a seasoned player or new to these games, you’ll find that traditional Chinese board games provide a unique and engaging way to experience Chinese culture.

The Nine Best Traditional Chinese Board Games

The Great Wall

Age: 13+ (Community 14+) Players: 1-4 Time: 120-180 minutes

What could be more appropriate to start this list than a Chinese board game focused on The Great Wall of China? The asymmetric worker and soldier placement game with engine-building mechanics and a nearly-constantly attacking AI encourages players to cooperate with each other as they defend against the invading Mongolian hordes while attempting to build The Great Wall.

Chinese clans come under the control of players who not only want to defend the wall and themselves but want to win the game through honor. The clan leaders each have their own resource production and starting worker/unit/resource numbers. Players seek to progress the game through increases during the game by hiring Advisors who contribute distinctive skills and engines.

Players take on the roles of generals defending the Wall who must play out a series of turns that represent in-game years, each divided into four seasons. Each season represents actions such as hordes invading the fields in spring or preparations for war during summer. Players take turns playing Command cards, resolving actions, activating their playing fields, and gaining benefits and resources. The clan strength of each player impacts new, unique engines created during the game, and ultimately enables players to garner victory points (Honor) toward the win.

Teen Reapers

Age: 8+ Players: 1-6 Time: 10-30 minutes

Whether you’re looking for a solo-play or group game full of unique game modes and loads of replayability, the distinctive stand-alone game Teen Repears comes from a Chinese creator. You can play the game with one to six players, with game times varying between 10 and 30 minutes, based on the number of players and game mode selected. The strategic card game with a collection of characters, companions, and items pulls players into the unique world, which has a few versions currently, meaning you’ve got loads of gameplay options available.

Chinese games like Teen Reapers can be used to enhance language learning and cultural immersion, making them effective tools for improving language proficiency.

Choose the free-for-all mode for 2 to 6 players, starting out with each player drawing a face-down reaper card, 2 Lesser spirits, and 1 Ordinary spirit at random. Or opt for team mode for 2 to 6 players (odd numbers are fine), and allow players to alternate turns in choosing their face-up reapers. The team shares 3 Lesser spirits and 1 Ordinary spirit, along with a maximum of 3 Reapers each. Teams can strategize together to play through open discussion, with zig-zagging turns between the teams.

Orbs and artifacts enable players to eliminate opponents’ spirits. Every reaper has 3 skills unique to them, and different play styles. Use these skills and playstyles to develop your strategy for the game, using orbs to activate your reapers’ skills or play artifacts to place effects on reapers. The gameplay progresses with players drawing from the artifacts and orbs deck, enabling players to activate actions or abilities and attack the opponent’s reapers. The team or player that destroys all the spirits of their opponents’ reapers, or has the most spirit points after the deck runs out, wins.

Steam Up: A Feast of Dim Sum

Age: 8+ Players: 2-5 Time: 40-60 minutes

A two- to five-player light-medium weight Chinese board game, Steam Up: A Feast of Dim Sum takes players to the Far East, deep into the mountains where a world-renowned Dim Sum restaurant has achieved the coveted three Gold Ingot status. Its most popular dishes include the sumptuous shrimp dumplings, phoenix claws, sticky rice, meat dumplings, and BBQ meat buns. This mythical restaurant welcomes players with action management and set collection gameplay for a deliciously delightful cultural game.

The competitive game begins with steamers loaded with Dim Sum stacked and placed on a turntable. Players must take turns performing actions during each round, such as purchasing Dim Sum, playing Fortune cards, or revealing Fate cards which trigger unique events that affect players. When players have purchased a set number of steamers or the Fate deck has been exhausted, the game ends, and the player with the most Hearty points wins.

San Guo Sha: Chinese Chess Xiangqi

Age: 12+ (Community 6-12+) Players: 2-8 Time: 40 minutes

San Guo Sha or Legends of the Three Kingdoms combines story elements from the classic Chinese novel Romance of the Three Kingdoms with cards and gameplay mechanics a bit like those found in Bang! The roles have some resemblance, as well, to Bang!, with differences found as follows.

• The gameplay goes in counter-clockwise order.

• Weapons assigned throughout the game have specific, additional powers that give players added skills.

• Cards in the game allow players to borrow weapons from one another to enhance their skills in specific settings that may be beyond their character’s assigned abilities.

• Another card allows players to cancel the effect of other cards in play.

• The Monarch (the Sheriff in Bang!) may gain additional skills based on their kingdom allegiance, while players have only two powers in most cases otherwise.

• Peach (Beer in Bang!) may be played to save another player’s life, with no exemption of the play when only two players remain in the game.

Similar to how Xiangqi shares a common ancestry with classic western chess, San Guo Sha also draws from historical and strategic elements, making it a unique blend of storytelling and gameplay.

Otherwise, the gameplay is basically the same as Bang!, so even if you wind up with the wrong version (in simplified Chinese text), you can still easily play by referencing the rules.

Deception: Murder in Hong Kong and Chinese Culture

Age: 14+ (Community 12+) Players: 4-12 Time: 20 minutes

Deception and deduction take the night as players gather ‘round for the role-playing board game Deception: Murder in Hong Kong. The board game works beautifully for 4 to 12 players and plays in about 20 minutes, generally no matter how many folks you’ve got in the game.

Each player takes on the role of an investigator, but one player is also the hidden killer. Players are assigned to teams at the onset of the game, with the Forensic Scientist, Murderer, Accomplice, Witness, and Investigators assigned randomly. Investigators must deduce the truth – discover the murderer and their accomplice – and save their team.

The gameplay mechanics are a bit like those found in the classic party game Mafia or One Night Ultimate Werewolf. As the game unfolds, players must keep their identities secret from each other and aim to express clues, investigate, or murder victims in secret to avoid revealing their hands. The Forensic Scientist is the only one who knows who holds the role of Murderer but can only express hints through special scene tiles. If the Murderer is found out by the end, the Investigators win. But the killer and the accomplice could also easily win by taking out the Investigators or the Witness before the case is solved.

Terrorscape

Age: 14+ (Community 12+) Players: 2-4 Time: 30-45 minutes

The Chinese board game Terrorscape takes place on a stormy night when hapless travelers find themselves in an abandoned mansion in the woods. The rain pours down, keeping them indoors, but they’ve unfortunately entered the secret hunting grounds of a terrifying killer. This team-based asymmetrical game lands squarely in the horror camp, so generally kids under 12 shouldn’t participate (at least according to the board game community).

As the game plays out, each player takes on the role of a survivor or the killer. Survivors must cooperate to escape the isolated mansion by repairing a radio to call for help or by finding 5 keys hidden throughout the mansion. The killer, on the other hand, stands alone in the game, seeking to take down the survivors for the win. The noise survivors make and the killer’s skills together help the killer stalk the other players for elimination.

Cards drawn by survivors determine their actions (and noise levels!), ability to search for the missing keys, or equip themselves with protective gear or offensive weapons. The killer also must manage their hand to move, sense, block survivors’ movements, and spread terror among the characters. And when the killer does encounter the survivors, battles ensue. There is no guaranteed outcome, though, so whatever skills and helps you draw could save you – or save the killer.

Because card management and luck of the draw impact the game greatly, no two plays of Terrorscape are ever the same, meaning this medium-length game has tons of replayability for years to come.

Inheritors

Age: 10+ Players: 2-4 Time: 30-45 minutes

In the open drafting, hand management card game of Inheritors, players take on the roles of heirs of the king – the king who has just passed on to the next life. Two to four players engage throughout the 30 to 45 minutes of gameplay, seeking to build influence across the Five Realms. You must spy on your competitors, garner favor with clan heads, and tip the courts to your side as the story progresses.

Each clan leader and their factions have unique abilities, so choose your alliances wisely from the start to ultimately garner their favor and the others as gameplay unfolds. Develop advocates through whatever means you need to outthink your opponents and claim your honor and take quests to prove your worthiness to the clan leaders to ultimately claim the inheritance and win the game.

Eila and Something Shiny

Age: 12+ Players: 1+ Time: 30-45 minutes

A beautifully appointed Chinese board game, Eila and Something Shiny offers a unique storyline and gameplay for a single player or more. The game focuses on the story of an innocent rabbit in a far-off forest who leaves home on a journey that will change their life forever. The mystical world unfolds before Eila (you, the player) through puzzles, resource management, and challenges in mazes, highlands, and other settings on this incredible journey.

The story of Eila and Something Shiny unfolds across five chapters depicted in gloriously illustrated comics filled with branching story paths that the player(s) choose as the journey continues. The unique game explores deep, emotional themes and changes every time you play. Loss and pain, sorrow, intense joy, and many other profound emotions come to light, so it is recommended that older children, teens, and adults only explore the game, as those younger than 12 may not be able to handle the themes well.

Age of Civilization

Age: 10+ Players: 1-4 Time: 30-60 minutes

In the Age of Civilization, players aim to lead their communities toward glory throughout the ages. During each era of the game, characteristics of the timeline are examined for choosing the best course of action for advancement into the next age as you take on the role of famous citizens of the time. Each player will wind up with three civilizations throughout the game, each with its own unique abilities and innovations, like Great Wonders, culture, and technologies. Ultimately, the game is a worker placement strategy game.

The game takes place over 6 rounds, each a bit unique to itself. In the first round, players pick one civilization card and assign workers to action slots. Each player has about 5-6 actions to choose from, and each of them changes between rounds. Players must carry out their selected actions, employing the effects offered by their particular civilization’s strengths and weaknesses, aiming to build the best wonders and technologies and garnering victory points. At the end of the turn, workers either return to the player or disappear from the board, depending on their designated actions.

The following rounds require players to choose a different civilization card each time, reset their workers, lose previous abilities, and gain new ones based on the new civilization. However, legacy abilities do carry on throughout the game. Ultimately, the player with the most victory points from their worker placements and strategy at the end wins.

Classic Chinese Board Games

China is home to some of the oldest and most iconic board games in the world, each offering a unique blend of strategy, skill, and social interaction. These classic games have stood the test of time, continuing to be played and cherished by people of all ages.

Go: Known as “Weiqi” in Chinese, Go is one of the oldest board games still played today. The game involves two players who take turns placing black and white stones on a grid, aiming to encircle the opponent’s stones and control the most territory. Go is an encircling game where players aim to surround their opponent’s stones. The simplicity of its rules belies the deep strategic complexity that has fascinated players for centuries.

Chinese Chess (Xiangqi): Unlike Western Chess, Chinese Chess features a board with a river and palace, and pieces that include generals, advisors, elephants, horses, chariots, cannons, and soldiers. The objective is to checkmate the opponent’s general, using strategies that reflect ancient Chinese warfare. This game is a staple in Chinese culture, often played in parks and homes across the country.

Mahjong: This tile-based game is a favorite in Chinese households and has gained popularity worldwide. Mahjong involves four players who draw and discard tiles to form winning combinations. The game is rich in tradition and often played during family gatherings and festivals, making it a significant part of Chinese social life.

These classic Chinese board games have been passed down through generations, each offering a unique way to engage with Chinese culture and history.

Animal-Themed Games

Animal-themed games are a delightful genre within traditional Chinese board games, often featuring animals as game pieces or characters. These games are designed to be fun and engaging for players of all ages, offering a unique blend of entertainment and cultural insight.

One classic example is Animal Chess, also known as Jungle Chess. In this game, players use animal pieces, each with different strengths and abilities, to capture their opponent’s den while protecting their own. The hierarchy of animals, from the mighty elephant to the cunning rat, adds a layer of strategy and excitement to the game.

Another popular animal-themed game is Dou Dizhu, which features a variety of animal characters, including birds, beasts, and insects. This Chinese card game requires players to use strategy and skill to outmaneuver their opponents and emerge victorious. The game is not only entertaining but also provides a glimpse into Chinese folklore and tradition.

Animal-themed games are more than just a source of fun; they offer a window into Chinese culture and history. Many of these games have been played for centuries and continue to be enjoyed by people around the world today. Whether you’re a seasoned player or new to traditional Chinese board games, animal-themed games are a fantastic way to experience the rich cultural heritage of China.

Strategy and Skill Games

Strategy and skill games are a cornerstone of traditional Chinese board games, requiring players to think critically and make strategic decisions to win. These games are not only challenging and engaging but also offer numerous cognitive benefits.

One of the most renowned strategy games is Go, also known as Weiqi. This ancient game involves two players who take turns placing black and white stones on a grid, aiming to encircle their opponent’s stones and control the most territory. The simplicity of its rules belies the deep strategic complexity that has fascinated players for centuries. Go is a true test of strategic thinking and mental acuity, making it a beloved game in Chinese culture.

Another iconic strategy game is Chinese Chess (Xiangqi). Unlike Western Chess, Chinese Chess features a board with a river and palace, and pieces that include generals, advisors, elephants, horses, chariots, cannons, and soldiers. The objective is to checkmate the opponent’s general, using strategies that reflect ancient Chinese military tactics. This game is a staple in Chinese culture, often played in parks and homes across the country.

Playing strategy and skill games like Go and Chinese Chess can improve critical thinking, problem-solving, and memory. These games challenge players to think several moves ahead, developing their ability to strategize and solve complex problems. Whether you’re looking to sharpen your mind or simply enjoy a challenging game, traditional Chinese board games offer a rich and rewarding experience.

Getting Started with Chinese Chess

Chinese Chess, also known as Xiangqi, is a popular traditional Chinese board game that is both easy to learn and fun to play. Here are the basic rules to get you started:

• Board and Pieces: The game is played on a 9×10 grid, with each player starting with 16 pieces: one king, two advisors, two elephants, two knights, two rooks, two cannons, and five pawns. The board features a river in the middle and two palaces, one for each player.

• Objective: The objective of the game is to checkmate your opponent’s king while protecting your own. This requires strategic planning and careful maneuvering of your pieces.

• Movement: Players take turns moving one piece at a time. Each type of piece has its own unique movement rules. For example, the king moves one space horizontally or vertically, while the knight moves in an L-shape. Capturing an opponent’s piece is done by landing on the same square.

• Strategy: The game requires strategy and skill, as players must think critically about their moves and plan ahead. Utilizing the unique abilities of each piece and anticipating your opponent’s moves are key to success.

To get started with Chinese Chess, you can purchase a board and pieces online or at a local game store. There are also numerous tutorials and instructional videos available online to help you learn the game. With practice and patience, you can become a skilled player and enjoy the many benefits of playing Chinese Chess, from improved strategic thinking to a deeper appreciation of Chinese culture.

Benefits of Playing Board Games

Playing board games, especially traditional Chinese board games, offers a multitude of benefits that go beyond mere entertainment. Here are some of the key advantages:

• Improved Strategic Thinking and Problem-Solving Skills: Games like Chinese Chess and Go require players to think several moves ahead, developing their ability to strategize and solve complex problems.

• Enhanced Social Skills and Communication: Many board games involve multiple players, fostering social interaction and teamwork. Games like Mahjong encourage players to communicate and collaborate, enhancing their social skills.

• Increased Cultural Awareness and Understanding: Traditional Chinese board games provide a window into Chinese culture and history. By playing these games, players can gain a deeper appreciation for Chinese traditions and values.

• Stress Relief and Relaxation: Engaging in board games can be a great way to unwind and relieve stress. The focus required to play these games can provide a mental break from daily worries.

• Improved Cognitive Function and Memory: Regularly playing board games can help keep the mind sharp, improving cognitive functions such as memory, attention, and concentration.

Incorporating traditional Chinese board games into your routine can offer these benefits and more, making them a valuable addition to your leisure activities.

Hosting a Game Night

Hosting a game night featuring traditional Chinese board games is a fantastic way to bring friends and family together for a fun and culturally enriching experience. Here are some tips to ensure your game night is a success:

• Choose a Game That Is Easy to Learn and Play: Start with games that are accessible to everyone, such as Mahjong or Chinese Checkers. These games are relatively easy to learn and can be enjoyed by players of all skill levels.

• Invite Friends and Family Who Are Interested in Learning About Chinese Culture: A game night is a perfect opportunity to introduce your loved ones to the rich traditions of Chinese board games. Encourage them to learn about the history and rules of the games.

• Provide Traditional Chinese Snacks and Drinks: Enhance the atmosphere by offering traditional Chinese snacks like dumplings, spring rolls, and tea. This will add an authentic touch to your game night and make it even more enjoyable.

• Set Up a Comfortable and Quiet Playing Area: Ensure that your playing area is well-lit, comfortable, and free from distractions. Arrange the seating so that everyone has a clear view of the game board.

• Encourage Players to Ask Questions and Learn About the Game and Its History: Foster a learning environment where players feel comfortable asking questions and discussing the game’s background. This will make the experience more engaging and educational.

By following these tips, you can host a memorable game night that introduces your friends and family to the world of traditional Chinese board games, providing both entertainment and cultural enrichment.

Also Read: The Best Target Board Games for Family Fun

Conclusion

Be sure to bulk up your board game closet with these fantastic Chinese board games, directly from Chinese creators who love unique game mechanics and gameplay, gorgeous artwork, and intriguing strategies. You’ll find they provide playtimes from 10 minutes to 3 hours, so choose your collection wisely to ensure the right kind of play lengths for your most frequent gatherings or special events.

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