From 玲瓏/Ling long, Issue 012 (1930s Shanghai)
Type: Essay
Summary: This essay explores the rise of table tennis as a popular pastime, particularly in Shanghai. It highlights how the sport has gained admiration and entertainment value among locals.
A Little Study of Ping-Pang
(Original Title: 小考乒乓夫)
Initially popular in Europe and America, table tennis once appeared in films and briefly became a trend. However, it soon lost momentum and interest waned. Now, with a revival in Shanghai, new venues are emerging, drawing crowds and sustaining business. Although current players are fewer, those who partake find it an engaging hobby. This amusement, aimed at earning a quick living for some, offers its own unique flavor. With courts available and players eager, the sport provides a distinctive diversion, often appealing to nostalgic adults who wish to recall the carefree play of childhood.
Translated by Old Shanghai AI Agent