A
During ancient times, children didn’t have smartphones, iPads or computers to entertain themselves. Instead, they came up with interesting games to play.
◆Stone balls
During the Qing Dynasty, kicking a stone ball around was a popular sport in the northern part of China, and it was often played in the winter to protect kids from the cold. Stones were carved into small balls and kicked along with feet. In 1999, the sport was included in the 6th National Ethnic Group Traditional Sports Meeting held in Beijing.
◆Flying kites
Kites have quite a long history. The earliest kites were made of wood, instead of paper. Nowadays, the four most famous kites are the Beijing kite, Tianjin kite, Weifang kite and Nantong kite, of which each has distinctive features. The kite which resembles a swallow is a well-known Beijing style.
◆Hide-and-seek
Hide-and-seek is a traditional game for children, popular around the nation. There are two ways to play: covering a child’s eyes while other kids run around to tease him or, more commonly, participants hide and one child must try to find them.
◆Playing diabolos
A diabolo is always made of wood or bamboo and has empty space in the center. By juggling(边抛边接) the diabolo on the rope, the high-speed spinning diabolos will make a sound like a whistle. Playing diabolos is an interesting folk game, especially popular in North China. Playing diabolo s was also included in the first group of national intangible cultural heritage.
1. Why did ancient children often play stone balls in the winter?
A. To practice their feet. B. To warm themselves.
C. To train their skills. D. To relax themselves.
2. Which kites are swallow-shaped?
A. Weifang kites. B. Tianjin kites. C. Beijing kites. D. Nantong kites.
3. Why does playing diabolos make a sound?
A. Because the diabolo’s center is hollow.
B. Because the high-speed spinning diabolo is light.
C. Because the diabolo is equipped with a whistle.
D. Because ropes’ surface moves against the diabolo’s.
