Police in Yushan in southeast China first announced the ban at the weekend, saying it was to curb illegal gambling and "purify social conduct". This led to shock and outrage with many calling the strategic, tile-based game the "quintessence of Chinese culture". Police then clarified that only unlicensed parlours would be shut. It comes after several other cities also announced parlours encouraging gambling would be shut. Mahjong is one of the most popular games in China, especially with older people.
