This undated photo shows people playing cuju dressed in traditional costumes in Zibo, east China's Shandong Province. /CGTN
This undated photo shows people playing cuju dressed in traditional costumes in Zibo, east China's Shandong Province. /CGTN
This undated photo shows people playing cuju dressed in traditional costumes in Zibo, east China's Shandong Province. /CGTN
This undated photo shows people playing cuju dressed in traditional costumes in Zibo, east China's Shandong Province. /CGTN
This undated photo shows people playing cuju dressed in traditional costumes in Zibo, east China's Shandong Province. /CGTN
This undated photo shows people playing cuju dressed in traditional costumes in Zibo, east China's Shandong Province. /CGTN
This undated photo shows people playing cuju dressed in traditional costumes in Zibo, east China's Shandong Province. /CGTN
This undated photo shows people playing cuju dressed in traditional costumes in Zibo, east China's Shandong Province. /CGTN
This undated photo shows people playing cuju dressed in traditional costumes in Zibo, east China's Shandong Province. /CGTN
This undated photo shows people playing cuju dressed in traditional costumes in Zibo, east China's Shandong Province. /CGTN
Cuju is a traditional Chinese sport that was first recorded during the Warring States Period (475-221BC) and reached the height of its popularity during the Tang (618-907) and Song (960-1279) dynasties. Originally a form of exercise that involved juggling a ball with the feet, cuju evolved into a sport in which two teams competed to kick the ball into a goal, similar to modern football.