Rubik’s cube devotees gather for cubing carnival in Yangzhou

The third 818 Cubing Carnival, part of the "Summer in Yangzhou" series, opened on Aug 11, attracting over 1,000 Rubik's cube enthusiasts from home and abroad.

The event was launched by the the Yangzhou Cubing Association and the editorial department of the magazine Rubik's cube in 2016. In the three years it has been held, the carnival has ascended into the international arena.

This year's edition has four competitions, including the first Rubik's cube invitational tournament for students from across the age ranges.

A competitor tries to solve a Rubik's Cube blindfolded at the third 818 Cubing Carnival in Yangzhou on Aug 11. [Photo/yznews.com.cn]

"Competitors from many countries such as the United States, France, Peru, Japan and Poland are invited, some of them even have broken world records several times," said Zhang Yaoming, secretary general of the Jiangsu Cubing Association.

Chinese competitors were also seen at the carnival, including Wong Kin-lok from Hong Kong, who has broken the world record once and the Asian record eight times.

Uwe Meffert, 79, inventor of the Rubik's cube variations, also appeared at the event on Aug 11. Meffert has invented more than 300 kinds of irregular Rubik's cubes in over 40 years, and now he devotes himself to promoting the Rubik's cube among teenagers.

"Learning how to play with a Rubik's cube is very helpful for teenagers, as it challenges the youngsters' willpower," said Meffert.

Uwe Meffert, 79, inventor of irregular Rubik’s cubes, at the third 818 Cubing Carnival in Yangzhou on Aug 11 [Photo/yznews.com.cn]

He highly praised the event, saying it was a new way to promote Yangzhou and it would help develop the city into an international cultural and tourism destination.

As part of the event, different Rubik's cubes from all over the world were on display to visitors.

"We have also displayed 300 irregular Rubik's cubes to familiarize people with the gadget," said Zhang.