Wuhan residents thrill with giant spinning

Spinning top is a traditional Chinese folk game which has become very popular throughout China. It used to be played primarily by children, but in recent years people of all ages have taken up the hobby as a healthy sport.

In Wuhan, capital city of central China's Hubei Province, dozens of adults will attempt to spin a giant top weighing 1,000 kilograms. If successful, it will set a new record for the game.

In the East Square of Wuchang Railway Station, 50 adults take turns waving bullwhips and striking a giant spinning top. The sound can be deafening. The inner core of the top is steel with a wooden exterior, and only the strongest and most experienced are able to spin it. The audience is stunned and respond with vibrant applause.

"I have never seen such a big spinning top, it’s amazing." a local said.

Top spinning is one of the earliest Chinese games, its history as a kids’ toy dating back 4,000 to 5,000 years. The shape of the top is similar to that of a conch shell, and when a rope is tied multiple times around the top and pulled with force, the top will stand up and spin. But it takes constant strikes from the bullwhip to keep it going. The size of a common spinning top is about 8 centimeters in diameter.

But Mr. Gao Wei, the founder of the Wuhan Spinning Top Association, says the new giant top measures 80 centimeters in diameter and is 85 centimeters high.

"The giant spinning top is designed and made by the skilled workers of the Wuhan Bridge Heavy Industries Group. It cost 21,000 RMB, and took a year to complete. I’m sure this is the biggest one in China." Gao said.

The Wuhan Spinning top Association was founded in 2008 and has more than 200 members from all walks of life, the oldest of whom is over 70 years old.

"The spinning top is no longer just a game for us, but has become part of our traditional culture. We often organize spinning competitions and demonstrations to attract other people. We hope more people can join us to enjoy the happiness we experience from spinning tops." Jiang said.

No doubt the association takes its tops very seriously, but only time will tell if their giant will win a place among the Guinness Book of world records.

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