Cricket fighting is a form of amusement popular in many areas in China.
It was nurtured by Tang Dynasty emperors more than 1,000 years ago and later popularized by the commoners.
Under the Song dynasty (960 1278 A.D.), cricket fighting flourished as a popular sport.
Jia’s obsession with cricket fighting is believed to have contributed to the fall of the empire.
During the fall in big cities like Shanghai, pet markets are crowded with cricket enthusiasts.
Buyers often buy two crickets and make them fight, keeping the winning one for contests.
Crickets from Shandong province, particularly those from Ningjin County, are most prized.
The cricket bred in Ningjin County is big in head, neck and legs with fine color of skin.
Ningjin County had provided crickets as tribute to emperors during the past dynasties in ancient China.
The crickets sell from $2 to $50 each, but exceptionally aggressive crickets can fetch much more.
Two male crickets are put into the plastic fighting container during the tournament in Qibao Ancient Town.
A judge keeps an eye on the score and time as the fight commences.
Inside the competition room, a judge and participants watch the match.
It is held in a quiet room so as not to distract the fighting crickets.
Cricket fighting has long been a means of gambling, which is strictly forbidden in China.
It is not uncommon for cricket-fighting dens to be raided by police.
Money quickly exchanges hands and tempers flare.
