Are you looking for a fun way to help your children to learn Chinese? Whether you’re just starting out or have been teaching them the language for some time, there are plenty of exciting and educational Chinese games that can make learning Chinese even more enjoyable.

From board games for family game nights to social games for big groups, we’re sharing 13 Chinese games that kids will love in this blog post! We’ll also explain why these games can be great supplemental learning resources when paired with Chinese classes for kids.

Let’s get started!

Chinese board games

#1 Mahjong (麻将 má jiàng)

Mahjong is a popular Chinese tile-based game that can help kids learn Chinese characters and build their vocabulary. The game is similar to dominoes and is generally played with a group of people. Kids will need to use strategy and logic when playing Mahjong, which can also help them develop their critical thinking skills.

https://www.wikihow.com/Play-Mahjong

#2 Chinese Checkers (跳棋 tiào qí)

This classic board game is simple to learn and can help children practice vocabulary related to colors and numbers in Chinese. Unlike the English version, Chinese Checkers uses a star-shaped board and can be played by up to six players.

#3 Go (围棋 wéi qí)

Go is a traditional Chinese board game that requires players to place black and white stones on a grid, with the goal of surrounding and capturing the opponent’s stones. This game can help children practice Chinese vocabulary related to numbers and colors as well as develop their strategic thinking skills.

https://polgote.com/en/blog/board-game-go-how-play

#4 Chinese Chess (象棋 xiàng qí)

Similar to Western chess, Chinese Chess is a strategic game that can help children develop critical thinking skills while also practicing Chinese vocabulary related to different types of pieces and movements.

#5 Tangram (七巧板 qī qiǎo bǎn)

Tangram is a puzzle game that involves using geometric shapes to create different designs. This game can help children practice Chinese vocabulary related to shapes and colors while also developing their problem-solving skills.

https://www.siammandalay.com/blogs/puzzles/how-play-tangram-puzzles

Chinese card games

#6 Dou Dizhu (斗地主 dòu dì zhǔ)

Dou Dizhu is a popular Chinese card game that translates to “Fight the Landlord” and involves strategy and quick thinking. It can help children learn Chinese vocabulary related to numbers as well as develop their memory and decision-making skills.

DOU DIZHU

#7 Big Two (大老二 dà lǎo èr)

Big Two is a card game that requires players to discard cards in numerical order. It can help children practice Chinese vocabulary related to numbers and card suits as well as develop their strategic thinking skills.

https://www.wikihow.com/Play-Big-Two

#8 Matching Games

Matching games are simple but effective card games that can help children practice Chinese vocabulary related to things like colors, shapes, and numbers. These games are often designed for young children and can be a great way to introduce them to the Chinese language.

https://matchthememory.com/ChineseNumbers

Social games in Chinese for kids

#9 Charades

Charades is a classic game all around the world. As you likely know, it involves acting out a word or phrase without speaking. It can help children learn Chinese vocabulary related to actions and emotions as well as develop their communication and teamwork skills.

猜啞謎 Charades to learn Chinese

#10 Pictionary

You’re probably familiar with this game too. Pictionary is a drawing-based game that can help children practice Chinese vocabulary and develop artistic and observational skills.

https://www.supercamps.co.uk/Content/MoxieManager/Free-Activity-Resources/Educational-Activities/Eduactional-Session-Chines-Pictionary.pdf

#11 Twenty Questions

Twenty Questions is a guessing game that can help kids practice Chinese vocabulary and develop their critical thinking and deductive reasoning skills. It’s an excellent game for family game nights or long car rides!

https://www.wikihow.com/Play-20-Questions

#12 Simon Says 

Simon Says is another popular game that children can play in Chinese. As you know, the game involves following instructions, such as “Simon says touch your nose.” It can help children learn Chinese vocabulary related to body parts and actions while developing listening and attention skills.

https://thegeniusofplay.org/genius/play-ideas-tips/play-ideas/simon-says.aspx

#13 Jianzi (毽子 jiàn zi)

Jianzi is a traditional Chinese game that involves keeping a feathered shuttlecock in the air using only the feet and other body parts. It can help children learn Chinese vocabulary related to body parts and help them develop their coordination and reflexes.

Advantages of Using Chinese Games for Kids Learning Mandarin Chinese

Playing Chinese games is a great way for children to learn and practice Chinese in a fun, interactive way. It can help them become more familiar with the language, develop their speaking and listening skills, build confidence when communicating in Chinese, and generally have fun while learning!

Playing Chinese learning games can also help kids become familiar with the grammar and syntax of the language, understand how to form sentences in context, and practice using basic phrases and terms.

Traditional Chinese games are also an excellent way for kids to learn a bit about Chinese culture. For example, Mahjong is a popular game that originated in China. If your family has the opportunity to travel to China, your child will see first-hand how the game is played in its home country.

Final Thoughts

Chinese games are a great way to introduce your child to the Chinese language and culture. Not only do they provide a fun and interactive way to practice their language skills, but they also help build essential soft skills for kids, such as cooperation and critical thinking.

So, the next time you are looking for something fun to do with your little learner, why not turn to one of these popular Chinese games?

And if you’re looking for more ways to help your child learn Chinese, consider signing them up for online Chinese classes for kids with LingoCircle! Our classes are taught by native-speaking Chinese teachers and are perfect for kids aged 3-15. You can even sign up for a trial to get the first lesson free!