The kings are not allowed to see each other, which gives them a rook-like power. And the jumping ability of the cannons provides great excitement. The Board Xiangqi can be played on a 9 by 10 uncheckered board. The board is separated into two territories by a river running horizontally through the center of the board. Bishops are unable to cross the river.
Pawns gain the ability to move horizontally when they cross the river.
Each of the territories has a 3 by 3 area called the Palace. The kings and queens are never permitted to leave the Palace. The king is restricted to the nine squares of the palace. The King cannot leave the Palace, even to avoid checkmate. There is no castling.