The invention of leisure and with it the concept of leisure time in China took place during the late 19th century. It was established culturally by being set off against another innovation, "work time."

Leisure as a time free from urgent and purposeful work has been a core ingredient of a traditional cultivated life-style; it could be filled by a wide range of activities. Although all classes had their particular leisure activities, the notion is mostly associated with the life-style of the educated and wealthy classes. The new …