China's traditional toys reach back to the Han dynasty and earlier — clay whistles, kite prototypes, shadow puppets, tangram puzzles, silk dragons. The kite itself was a Chinese invention over 2,000 years ago. Weifang in Shandong province is still the world's kite capital. Chinese shadow puppetry (pi ying) is UNESCO-recognised heritage. Regional folk crafts — Yangliuqing woodblock prints, Wuxi clay figures, Fengxiang mud toys, Shanxi paper cuttings — continue in living workshops, though under pressure from mass production.
Traditional toys and games of China
Kites
China invented the kite — Weifang remains the world capital, with 2m+ dragons made annually.
Shadow puppets
Pi ying leather puppets performed with music, colour and intricate carving.
Tangram
The seven-piece dissection puzzle that spread from China worldwide in the 19th century.
Yangliuqing figures
Tianjin painted clay figurines depicting children and mythological scenes.
Fengxiang mud toys
Shaanxi bright-painted clay tigers, dragons, roosters — birthday and New Year gifts.
Diabolo
The Chinese yo-yo — two-cup spinning toy played on a string between two sticks.
Go (Weiqi)
The 2,500-year-old strategy board game — still played daily across East Asia.