Ancient swinging gains spotlight at China's National Traditional Games

Friday marks the opening of China's 12th National Traditional Games of Ethnic Minorities in Sanya, Hainan Province, with one unique event in particular capturing the spotlight: the swinging competition.

These vibrant swinging structures rise to an impressive height of 12 meters, complemented by a parallel bell rack that not only adds to the spectacle but also serves as a measuring tool for height challenges and bell-touching contests. Exclusively for female athletes, competitors are categorized into two weight classes: under 55 kilograms and 55 kilograms and above.

The swing competition begins from a 1.3-meter-high launch platform, where the goal is to achieve the greatest height with the fewest swings for the height contest, while the bell-touching contest rewards those who can ring the bells the most times within a 10-minute time frame. Rooted in the traditions of the Korean ethnic group in northeast China, swinging is recognized as a national intangible cultural heritage. Yang Yudan, coach of the Jilin delegation, shared the fascinating backstory of this sport, noting its cultural significance and evolution as a form of leisure for women.

"There are many theories about the popularity of the swinging event," she said. "One tale suggests that women from noble families, yearning for the outside world, would set up a swing in their courtyards. As they swung higher and higher, they could catch glimpses of the world beyond. Over time, swinging gradually evolved into a recreational activity for women to relax during farming off-seasons, creating a delightful and leisurely sporting experience."

First launched in 1953, the National Traditional Games of Ethnic Minorities stands as one of China's oldest national multi-sport events, having been held 11 times previously. This year, approximately 10,000 athletes representing 56 of China's ethnic groups will converge on the tropical island of Hainan to compete in 17 sports, encompassing 139 events and three demonstration sports.

Certain events, such as equestrian competitions, have already taken place in the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region in northwest China, setting the stage for a celebration of culture, sport, and unity in diversity.