The opera performances include, as well as drama and singing, mime, dance, acrobatics and fencing. The best known traditional sports in China are probably the martial arts such as Tai Chi and Kung Fu. Sport is important in China and in recent years Chinese athletes have been particularly successful in gymnastics, diving, running and table tennis. China played its first international rugby match in 1997 and competed in the Hong Kong Sevens tournament in March 1998. Soccer is probably the most popular spectator sport.
Chess is also a favourite pastime.
Other popular board games are Go and Mahjong. The most important celebration is the Chinese New Year. This is the biggest national holiday and shops and offices are closed for three days. As well as the traditional festivals, the Chinese commemorate the founding of the Chinese Communist Party and there a number of special celebration days such as a teachers' day. NEWS Chinese news is available in English.