Top-spinning revived at national ethnic games in Sanya

The traditional Chinese game da tuoluo, or top-spinning, a cherished childhood pastime for many, has been featured at the ongoing 12th National Traditional Games of Ethnic Minorities in Sanya, south China's Hainan Province.

Dating back thousands of years, da tuoluo holds a deep cultural legacy. Over the centuries, the game has become a popular pastime across China, especially in southern regions such as Yunnan, Guizhou, Guangxi, and Fujian.

Top-spinning is played on a 15x20-meter field, where defenders keep their tops spinning within a 0.75-meter radius, while attackers aim to hit them with precise throws from outside the offensive line to score points.

Elevating its status from a casual hobby to a recognized sport, top-spinning was officially introduced as a competition during the 5th national ethnic games in 1995. Today, it continues to connect people with China's rich cultural heritage while bringing joy and nostalgia to all generations.