Why is everyone playing mahjong? The global revival of a centuries-old Chinese tradition

Mahjong is having a global moment. From designer tile sets and “mahjong parties” to growing numbers of clubs and classes, the centuries-old Chinese tile game is becoming trendy once again. But its resurgence raises questions about cultural exchange, commercialisation, and what happens when a tradition rooted in Chinese history becomes a “lifestyle trend”. From China to the rest of the world Mahjong emerged in eastern coastal China in the mid 1800s, towards the end of the Qing Dynasty. Although…