Dang Qiuqian, literally to have a swing, first originated in the northern part of China by the minority groups, and spread into Central China during the Spring and Autumn Period (770-476BC). In the Han Dynasty (206BC-220AD), swinging as a recreational activity was very popular, and became a designated program on the Qingming Festival (Tomb-Sweeping Day) or the Duanwu Festival (Dragon Boat Festival). The participants perform acrobatics and exercises of strength and dexterity while using ropes, often quite high above the ground.

Swinging had become a popular performing art by the Song Dynasty (960-1279), when professional acrobats performed daring feats called swinging over water from swings installed on the decks of two separate pleasure boats. Music played as one acrobat climbed up and down a tall pole affixed to the stern of one boat while another acrobat performed tricks on a swing before both finally somersaulted into the water.

The Korean and Bai ethnic groups are particularly expert in these swing activities. During the festivals they wear their fineries and decorate the swings to be as beautiful as possible. The thick ropes are tied on horizontal branches of large trees, bold and uninhibited people will then hang a ribbon or a ring above and before the swing so that players have to swing up to reach them. The high flying, graceful and daring performers are greeted by the cheers and applause of the enthusiastic onlookers.

Swinging became a formal competition of the National Sports Meeting of Minority Groups in February, 1986. Nowadays, it has been a common plaything for children.