Cuju is the equivalent if football in ancient China. It is said that it is the oldest football game in the world.

Based on to historical records, Cuju was first reported during Shang Dynasty (16th century BC - 11th century BC) and the equipment was a stone ball which was used by the army to build up strength among the soldiers.

In the Han Dynasty (206 BC - 220), it became even more popular and was written into military science of the day. There were no less than 25 versions of the game. It is said that the first emperor of this dynasty Liu Bang was proud of his father who was quite good Cuju player.

In the Southern Song Dynasty (1127 - 1279), the earliest football club or guild was founded and named 'Yuanshe'. At that time many literary and art works were created on the theme of Cuju.

It was fashionable at all levels of society, folk or court, city or frontier defense. It was played by adults and children and both men and women. Although women in feudal times were of a low status and were precluded from many outside occasions, the playground seemed the exception where they could appear in public.

However, the game's popularity gradually declined. Although Cuju was originally a competitive game people, especially the ruling classes, sought to change its nature to one for amusement only.

Today, Cuju is being revived and is now part of China's National Games of Minority Nationality's Traditional Sports.