Kinmen Mid-Autumn Bo Bing Festival

The Bo Bing game, often referred to simply as 'Bo Bing,' is a unique folk cultural activity prevalent in the Southern Fujian (Minnan) region, played by rolling dice. Legend has it that Hong Xu, a great general in Zheng Chenggong's (Koxinga) army, who was born in Hongmen Port (now Houfeng Port) in Kinmen, invented the Bo Bing game. He did this to boost the morale and soothe the homesickness of the soldiers stationed in Xiamen while Zheng Chenggong led his troops to attack Jinling (Nanjing). The game allowed the soldiers to enjoy a bit of fun during the Mid-Autumn Festival. It then spread to Xiamen, Quanzhou, Kinmen, and other areas, becoming a seasonal folk entertainment activity for the Mid-Autumn Festival. The Bo Bing activity has been passed down for over 300 years. During Kinmen's wartime administration period, it once disappeared. To preserve this folk custom and promote tourism, the 'Mid-Autumn Festival Bo Bing' event is held annually.