30 Things That Only Happen In China

15. Cricket-Fighting Competitions

Apart from pigeon-racing, the Chinese hold cricket-fighting competitions. A popular hobby and gambling sport, people continue betting on these insects to date. Origins of the game date back to the Tang Dynasty that existed around 1,000 years ago.

Cricket-fighting involves a lot less bloodshed compared to other animals fighting sports such as bulls and cockfighting. The Chinese were so invested in the sport that actual funerals were held for prized crickets. The money involved in these games hit such heights that the fights were made illegal and an underground fight culture evolved to continue the lucrative business.