Ice Sports in the Qing Dynasty: Ancient China’s Winter Fun

For those curious about Chinese culture, Bingxi (ice play) from the Qing Dynasty offers a fascinating glimpse into early winter sports. Held during the coldest months near Beijing, Bingxi was not just entertainment but also military training for the imperial guard.

Imagine a mix of modern Olympics and a royal carnival: soldiers skated on ice while shooting arrows or performing acrobatics, much like combining figure skating with biathlon and circus acts. The emperor often watched from a decorated pavilion, turning the event into a grand spectacle.

One vivid example is fast skating relay races, similar to speed skating team events today, where competitors raced in teams to win honors for their units. Another was ice soccer, played with a ball on frozen lakes—think hockey without sticks.

These games show that ancient Chinese enjoyed winter as much as we do now, blending skill, teamwork, and celebration. Bingxi reminds us that China’s cultural heritage includes dynamic, joyful movement, even on ice.