Culture Insider: Once popular sports in ancient capital Xi'an

Archery

During ancient times, the origin of archery was closely related with hunting and defense. Ancient archery was not only an athletic event, a military training program, and an entertainment activity, but also part of education.

As early as in Zhou Dynasty (c.11th century-256 BC), the archery was listed as one of the six practical disciplines, also called the Six Arts, becoming an important protocol and competition form.

Formal archery contests were held during the Wei, Jin, Southern and Northern Dynasties (220-589).

During the Tang Dynasty, archery was an important part of the Wuju Imperial Examinations, and five kinds of archery skills would be tested, including on-horse shot, step shot and flat shot.