Right-click on the pieces to see how they move. Xiangqi is still firmly embedded in culture in China and viewed as a folk game. Among the Chinese, the rules are said to be universally known, and it is claimed that Xiangqi is the world's most popular game, with perhaps 200 million players. Like Western Chess, having an extra piece is not as important as having a strong attack. Attack on the General can come at any stage of the game.
Chariots are the most valuable pieces, being worth about twice as much as a Cannon.
Mandarins and Elephants are purely defensive pieces. Soldiers are very weak until they cross the river and promote, where their increased mobility makes them useful in attack. Endgames have been studied even more deeply than in Western chess, and much is known about mating possibilities with various combinations of pieces. English-language sources are less abundant. Horses move like a Knight in Chess, except that they can't jump over other pieces.