Beijing hosted the 9th abacus and mental arithmetic competition, setting a new participation record
An abacus is an ancient mechanical device for arithmetic calculations, consisting of a frame with parallel rods on which movable beads are strung. Each rod corresponds to a digit place. In the age of digital technology, this tool not only does not fade away but continues to inspire new generations. When children from different countries come together to compete in speed and accuracy of mental arithmetic, they are touching a thousand‑year‑old tradition that unites cultures and reminds us that the human mind is capable of amazing feats even without calculators.
On Saturday, Beijing hosted the 9th Abacus and Mental Arithmetic Competition, attracting more than 200 participants from around the world. Organised by the World Association of Abacus and Mental Arithmetic, the event brought together participants from 11 countries and regions, including Australia, Indonesia, Malaysia, Russia, South Korea, Tonga, the United States, Uzbekistan and mainland China, as well as Hong Kong and Taiwan, setting a new record for the number of participants. The abacus and mental arithmetic originate from the Chinese method of Zhusuan, a traditional way of performing mathematical calculations using an abacus. "I started learning Zhusuan at the age of five and get excellent grades in maths, so I think the training really helps," said a participant from the United States. This year's competition also included a platform for exchanging information on abacus and mental arithmetic competitions and showcasing the related culture.
Zhusuan, inscribed on UNESCO's intangible cultural heritage list in 2013, is now promoted in more than 130 countries and regions worldwide, with millions of children participating. In the 20th century, abacuses were an indispensable tool for accountants, cashiers and shop assistants in the Soviet Union, where they remained in use until electronic calculators became widespread in the 1970s. Russian abacuses featured horizontal rods with ten beads each, allowing fast and accurate calculations without electricity. Since 2004, eight competitions have been held, involving more than 2,000 top participants from around the globe. As CCTV+ reports. Interest in traditional calculation methods is expected to grow further, as they not only develop mathematical abilities but also improve concentration, memory and imaginative thinking in children.
