Xiangqi, formerly known as "Chinese Xiangqi," is a two-player competitive chess game.

Xiangqi, along with Chess and Go, is considered one of the world's three major chess games. In addition to its widespread popularity in China, it is also widely popular in Southeast Asian countries.

◆ Historical Development

• Origin and Evolution

Legend has it that Xiangqi was invented by Han Xin, a famous general in the late Qin and early Han dynasties, but there is no conclusive historical evidence to support this claim.

The origins of Xiangqi can be traced back to an even earlier period; similar games involving two players fighting against each other existed as early as the pre-Qin period.

In the "Guangxiang Xige" (Preface) by Chao Buzhi of the Northern Song Dynasty, it states: "Xiangqi is a military game. During the battles of the Yellow Emperor, ferocious beasts were used to form battle formations. Elephants are the most powerful beasts. Therefore, the military game was named after them." This immediately pushes the date of Xiangqi's invention back to the Yellow Emperor's time, over 5,000 years ago.

There are also theories about the origin of Xiangqi, such as its origin in Shennong, Shun, King Wu of Zhou's conquest of King Zhou, and the Warring States Period. Some scholars also believe that Chinese Xiangqi originated in India and is the product of the development and changes of international Xiangqi in China.

In China, the early Xiangqi system consisted of three instruments: chess pieces, chopsticks, and a board. The two sides played chess, each with six pieces: Xiao, Lu, Pheasant, Calf, and Sai (two pieces). This was called "Liubo", and together with Go, it was called "Boyi". Liubo chess pieces were carved from ivory. Chopsticks, equivalent to dice, must be thrown before playing chess. The board is a square chessboard. During the game, "six chopsticks are thrown, six pieces are played", and players compete with each other in cleverness and intelligence, attacking and forcing each other, and putting the opponent to death. [17]

In the Tang Dynasty, Xiangqi underwent great changes in China. There were already four types of soldiers: "general, horse, chariot, and pawn", and the board consisted of 64 black and white squares. Later, inspired by Chinese Go, the 64 squares were expanded to 90 points. This form of Xiangqi became known as "Baoying Xiangqi."

During the Song Dynasty, Xiangqi was essentially finalized. Chao Buzhi's "Guang Xiangqi" had 32 pieces, the same total number as modern Xiangqi. Before the Song Dynasty, Xiangqi lacked cannons; their addition marked the beginnings of modern Xiangqi. Furthermore, Song Dynasty Xiangqi added the "Shi" (Soldier) and "Xiang" (Elephant). This meant that, based on a nine-square chessboard, it incorporated and borrowed pieces from other chess games, upgrading the three soldiers to one Shi and two cannons.

During the Ming Dynasty, for easier play and memorization, the "Jiang" (general) was changed to "Shuai" (General). During the Ming and Qing Dynasties, Xiangqi experienced significant development, with the emergence of numerous renowned Xiangqi players and monographs devoted to the subject. Ming Dynasty Xiangqi monographs include "The Eighteen Transformations of the Golden Peng," "Dream into the Divine Machine," and "Secrets of the Orange." Xu Zhi's selection of "Elegant and Pleasant Interests" is the most systematic, complete, and practical of the ancient Xiangqi manuals.

The Qing Dynasty was the heyday of Xiangqi, with many renowned masters and numerous famous manuals. Works on Xiangqi include "Plum Blossom Spring," "Tao Yuan Ji Lue," "Xin Wu Fragments," "Zhu Xiang Zhai Xiang Xi Pu," and "Baibian Xiangqi Pu."

The four famous Xiangqi positions, "Seven Stars Gathering," "Wild Horses Training the Fields," "A Thousand Miles Alone," and "Earthworm Subduing the Dragon," were also completed during the Qing Dynasty.

The Ming and Qing dynasties marked a period of rapid development for Chinese Xiangqi, making it one of the most popular chess games in China.

◆ Cultural Characteristics

Chinese Xiangqi embodies the military strategy and command art of "strategizing from afar and winning battles thousands of miles away." It also, to a certain extent, reflects the rule-abiding social order of ancient China. The complexity of its battles symbolizes the multiplicity of social contradictions. For example, the general (king), the most crucial piece in determining the outcome of a game, remains permanently stationed within the Nine Palaces of the Imperial City. Surrounding it are dedicated guards, including the scholar and elephant (Xiang), constantly asserting the dignity of the imperial court.

◆ Intangible Cultural Heritage

In 2008, Xiangqi was selected for inclusion in China's second batch of national representative items of intangible cultural heritage. Xiangqi is easy to learn, yet its endless variations make it challenging to master. It possesses cultural, educational, competitive, and entertaining value, and has been deeply loved by people from ancient times to the present.

Despite its numerous important functions and its enthusiasts throughout China and around the world, economic development and modern lifestyles have significantly impacted traditional cultural sports. This ancient national treasure faces new challenges and warrants further protection.