10 Chinese Hobbies From Traditional and Modern

With such a rich cultural heritage blended with modernity, Chinese people have found different ways to spend their leisure time and indulge in their favorite hobbies during their free time.

From traditional pastimes to everyday leisure activities embraced by the younger generation, let's explore the world of hobbies in China.

Traditional Chinese hobbies to try

Let’s delve into the rich cultural heritage of China through traditional hobbies that have been practiced for generations.

1. Calligraphy

Regarded as an art form, calligraphy holds a special place in Chinese culture. The graceful strokes and complex characters convey beauty and meaning.

In China, it's quite common to see older adults practicing calligraphy on the street with a water brush.

A little boy watching someone write Chinese character on the ground

If you are learning Mandarin and love art, you should consider this hobby. You will create a beautiful piece while practicing your writing abilities and memorizing Chinese characters. Check out our article How to Memorize Chinese Characters for more tips.

Practicing Chinese calligraphy

2. Playing Mahjong

This ancient tile-based game is a favorite pastime for many Chinese people, especially older adults. Gathering around a table, players engage in strategic thinking and social interaction.

If you want to see how to play Mahjong, take a look below:

3. Taichi and martial arts

Practiced for health, self-defense, and spiritual cultivation, Tai Chi and various martial arts forms like Kung Fu hold a prominent position in traditional Chinese hobbies. 

These habit and activities are practiced both by old and young people. If you are in China and you wake up early, go to a park: you'll likely see someone practicing Tai Chi (太极拳—tài jí quán).

4. Drinking tea

Tea ceremonies and the art of tea preparation are deeply rooted in Chinese culture. 

In China, you will find many tea houses, serene spaces for savoring different varieties and engaging in mindful conversations—an interesting alternative to the same old beer at a pub!

A teahouse in the Nanjing Presidential Palace garden, Wikimedia

5. Traditional Chinese games

Traditional games like Chinese chess (中国象棋—zhōngguó xiàngqí) and shuttlecock kicking (踢毽子—tī jiànzi) are still enjoyed by people of all ages, fostering strategic thinking and physical agility.

You'll find people practicing these activities in public parks, or you can join a team or club at Chinese universities. Another idea is to look for group chats on WeChat.

We go more in depth about traditional chinese games in this article.

Modern Chinese hobbies

1. Ping Pong

Also known as table tennis internationally, it is a hugely popular sport in China. It combines fast-paced action with precise hand-eye coordination.

2. Karaoke

One of the most popular activities among Chinese youth is karaoke, also known as KTV (karaoke television). In China, KTV rooms are very popular. At these venues, you can rent a room with karaoke equipment, and drink popular beverages, eat, and have fun with friends.

If you are in China, you should definitely try this activity! You will find both Chinese and international songs.

KTV, Baidu Images

3. Dance

Traditional and contemporary forms of dancing have gained significant popularity in recent years.

From ballroom dancing to street dance styles, Chinese youths embrace the joy of movement. A particular type of dance you will see in China is 广场舞 guǎngchǎng wǔ, "square dancing." If you think this activity is strange, check out our article about strange Chinese habits.

4. Online gaming

China has a vibrant gaming culture, with online games captivating millions of players. 

In big Chinese cities, you can also find internet cafes for people to play games and socialize with high-speed internet. In the last few years, some became hotels and installed beds!

5. Hiking

The allure of exploring new destinations and immersing oneself in breathtaking natural landscapes has captivated the hearts of outdoor enthusiasts.

With China's vast and diverse geography, from majestic mountains to picturesque valleys, there is an abundance of beautiful scenic spots waiting to be discovered. Whether it's conquering the challenging trails of the Great Wall, trekking through the stunning landscapes of Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, or venturing into the serene beauty of the Jiuzhaigou Valley, the possibilities for exploration are endless. 

Hobbies in Chinese: vocabulary and phrases

Here are some useful phrases to talk about hobbies in Chinese. In the table below, you'll also find some useful vocabulary.

Chinese hobby phrases

Chinese hobby vocabulary

Here are some more related vocabulary for hobbies, sports, and activities:

My Chinese hobby experience: Hiking!

While in China, I discovered a passion for hiking and traveling in groups. Exploring picturesque landscapes, breathing in the fresh air, and physically challenging myself brought me immense joy and a sense of adventure. By joining hiking group chats on WeChat, I took part in group trips and met many new friends.

During one of these trips, I even slept on the Great Wall!

Apart from hiking, I would say that one of the best activities was to explore Beijing's streets, shops, huge parks, and hidden corners.

Frequently asked questions

What are the major hobbies in china?

Calligraphy, Mahjong, ping png, and karaoke are a few of the major activities in China. Other activities include taichi, drinking tea, dancing, playing games, and hiking.

In closing

These popular hobbies in China reflect a beautiful blend of tradition and modernity. From ancient practices like calligraphy and martial arts to contemporary activities like online gaming and fitness, there is something for everyone. These Chinese hobbies provide entertainment, offer insights into Chinese culture, foster social connections, and promote personal growth.

Immerse yourself in this vibrant world and find your new favorite hobby!

Elisa Felici has been studying Chinese since 2014. She started her language-learning journey at Italian universities and lived in Beijing while attending Beijing’s Confucius Institute. Elisa passed HSK 4 and 5 and finally, in 2020, HSK 6. She now has a Master’s degree in translation and interpreting and has experience not only as a language learner but also as a Chinese teacher and translator.