射箭，是中国古代一项历史悠久的传统体育项目，它源于远古人类进行狩猎和保卫自身安全的需要。在中国古代，射箭不仅作为一项军事体育项目而发展，同时也是学校体育教育的主要内容之一。到清代末年，随着科学技术的不断发展，射箭逐渐丧失了它的军事作用，成了一项专门的传统体育运动形式。
Archery
As a time-honoured sport, archery was widely used in hunting and for self-defence, and as a major subject in military training and school education, until the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911) when it gradually lost its military significance and became a pure sport.
A Grey Pottery Standing Warrior in Shooting Posture
Qin Dynasty
(Unearthed at the Pit of Qinshihuang Mausoleum in Lintong County,Shaanxi Province,1974)
Brick Painting of a Horseman Shooting a Goat
Wei to Jin Dynasty(Unearthed from the Wei Jin Tomb NO.5 at Xincheng in Jiayuguan,Gansu Province,1972—1973)
Sliver High-footed Cup Decorated with Lotus-petal Design and Hunting Scenes
Tang Dynasty
(Collection of Freer Gallery of Art,Washington,U.S.A.)
这件陶俑，塑造了一位骑马仰射的唐代武士形象。
Glazed pottery depicting an archer on horseback, unearthed in 1971 in Qianxian County, Shanxi Province and dating back to the Tang Dynasty (618-907).
此图描绘乾隆皇帝在大臣的陪同下，执弓射靶的情景。
Emperor Qianlong (reigned 1736-1796) engaged in archery.