Mahjong

Emerging in the mid-19th century during the twilight of the Qing Dynasty, Mahjong was a product of the culturally diverse Yangtze Delta. Though initially the domain of the elite and high-stakes gamblers, it soon captivated the public, becoming a staple in teahouses and major cities like Beijing and Shanghai. Driven by trade and migration, the game eventually moved beyond China’s borders to become a global phenomenon