Educational toys are popular among Chinese families and children. We selected seven toys from China that help children develop creativity and STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) skills. Some are based on ancient concepts while others are modern games and toys. All are on sale outside China.

We have given each toy an introduction, a tutorial video, and a purchase link (Amazon or Taobao Global). Most cost less than 20 dollars. You can download the PDF file via this link.

7 Chinese Toys to Inspire STEM Skills

#1: Discover China Board Game

Name in English: Discover China Board Game, also called Mountain and River Tour

Name in Chinese: 山河之旅 (shānhé zhī lǚ)

Introduction: This is a group board game. Players start from “Beijing” and choose three target cities. They design trip plans. Whoever arrives first at his/her target city wins.

Tutorial in English:

#2: Kong Ming Lock Cube

Name in English: Kong Ming Lock (Cube)

Name in Chinese: 孔明锁 （kǒng míng suǒ)

Introduction: Kong Ming was a statesman, strategist, and inventor in ancient China. These cubes are named after him. Each piece is a three-axis combination of building blocks. They are made of at least three blocks. The aim of the game is to dissemble and re-assemble these cubes.

Tutorial:

#3: Five in a Row

Name in English: Five in a Row

Name in Chinese: 五子棋（wǔ zǐ qí）

Introduction: You can play this game on a Chinese Go board. Players alternate turns placing a stone of their color on an empty intersection. Black plays first. The winner is the first player to form an unbroken line of five stones of their color horizontally, vertically, or diagonally. The game rules are simple but strategy can be very complex.

#4: Quiet Book

Name in English: Quiet Book, also known as Busy Book for busy parents.

Name in Chinese: 安静书（ān jìng shū）

Introduction: There are various themes for Quiet Books, such as automobiles, food, or fashion. Children can use craft skills to assemble small parts in these books, creating their own versions of a story. It is called Quiet Book as it keeps children focused and quiet.

Tutorial in English:

#5: Si Fang Lock

Name in English: Si Fang Lock also known as Square Lock

Name in Chinese: 四方锁（sì fāng suǒ）

Introduction: The game challenge is to unlock the lock’s four iron parts and then put them back together. The solution is very unexpected. A great ancient Chinese toy to encourage original thinking.

Tutorial:

#6: Aerodynamic Car

Name in English: Aerodynamic Car, also known as Balloon Powered Car

Name in Chinese: 空气动力车 （kōng qì dòng lì chē）

Introduction: Kids pump air into a balloon which pushes the toy car to go forward. They need to figure out the best size of the balloon and make the car run further after continuous trials. It’s a fun way to learn about Aerodynamics through play.

#7: Slide Number Puzzle

Name in English: Slide Number Puzzle

Name in Chinese: 数字华容道（shù zì huá róng dào）

Introduction: The purpose is to rearrange the numbers on the chessboard from left to right and from top to bottom in the shortest time and with the least number of moves.

These games and toys can be wonderful gifts for children, to have fun while growing their creativity and STEM skills. You can download the PDF file via this link. If you have a great toy to recommend, feel free to leave a comment.