围棋

Why this place

Go was invented in China more than 2,500 years ago, and it is one of the four arts a scholar was expected to master, along with calligraphy, painting and music. Its rules take a minute to learn and a lifetime to play well; its strategic vocabulary — territory, influence, sacrifice — runs through Chinese thinking about war, business and life.

What to see

• Teahouses and parks where people play in the afternoon — Chengdu and Shanghai especially
• Go clubs in the big cities, which usually welcome visitors and often have English-speaking members
• The Chinese Go Association's tournaments in the major cities
• Museums with Go sets and historical boards, in the older cities

What to eat

• Play happens over tea, in teahouses — that is the traditional setting
• The local teahouse snacks of Chengdu and Hangzhou, which are part of the experience

How to plan

An afternoon in a teahouse will show you the culture; a club will teach you the game.

Best time

Any time; winter afternoons are the classic season for indoor play

Practical tips

• If you already play, bring a small board or just ask — Go is the easiest way to start a conversation with a stranger in China