Xiangqi - Chinese Chess

Our selection of Xiang-Qi / Xiangqi / Chinese Chess sets.

Xiang Qi (Chinese Chess) is the most popular board game in the world. Played by millions of Chinese people every day, it is a traditional chess variant whose origins, like the whole Chess family, are lost in the mists of time.

Chinese Chess is an interesting game to learn and has a couple of twists that may come as a pleasant surprise to those familiar with modern European Chess. For instance, the General and his guards are not allowed outside the 'palace', the elephant may not cross the 'river' that separates the 2 halves of the board and the 'Cannon' can capture the enemy from any distance but only by jumping over an intervening piece...

All of our Chinese Chess Sets are of a good quality, suitable for beginners and Grandmasters alike.

Is xiangqi harder than chess?
If you are familiar with modern chess and have not played Xiangqi before, you may find the game quite tricky at first.

Difference between xiangqi and modern chess
Here are some key differences between Xiangqi and Modern chess:

  1. Board layout – Chess is played on a 8×8 grid. Xiangqi is played on a 9×10 grid with intersecting lines. It also includes a ‘river’ that divides the board and two ‘palaces’ around each general.
  2. Piece movement – In Chess, pieces have more freedom. In Xiangqi, some pieces are restricted by zones (e.g. the general and guards cannot leave the palace, elephant cannot cross the river)

We have a good range of Xiang Qi equipment. To help you choose the right set / board / pieces for you, we have summarised the products below:

Xiangqi Equipment – overview

Xiang-Qi – Chinese Chess Set in Luxury Case – 50mm pieces
This luxury Xiang Qi set features high-quality components for an authentic game of Chinese Chess. It includes a roll up leatherette board measuring 48.5 x 44cm when laid flat and beautifully carved round wooden pieces measuring 50mm, each decorated with traditional characters. Everything is stored neatly inside a smart presentation case embossed with Chinese symbols and lined with orange felt to protect the set during storage and transport. This is a complete and practical set for regular play. It is perfect for beginners and seasoned enthusiasts alike. It will also make a great gift for a chess enthusiast who fancies a new challenge.

Large Leatherette Xiangqi Game Board
This is an entry-level Xiangqi board ideal for beginners and newcomers to the game. The board measures 48 x 43 cm and is suitable for larger Xiangqi playing pieces. It features a wood-effect aesthetic and printed lines, making it look quite unique. The leatherette material makes it flexible and so, the board can be rolled-up for easy storage and travel purposes.

Wooden Xiangqi Pieces (33mm)
While the title states these are ‘pieces’, included you will also find a basic, plastic sheet board that can be folded away for travel. Although simple, it is practical and perfectly suitable for casual games. These large-size, wooden Xiangqi pieces have hand-painted symbols on them. They are nice and thick and have a diameter of approximately 33mm. This affordable set is the ideal way to get acquainted to this ancient game.