Kites rise to festive occasion

High-tech designs

Sobraj Al Akand, who comes from Bangladesh, said: "We saw traditional kites, such as those designed like a dragon to represent China, and some really high-tech designs. Companies are also using kites to advertise themselves, which is a really nice concept."

Kites have been flown in Weifang, widely known as the world's kite capital, for about 2,400 years.

Legend has it that ancient Chinese philosopher Mozi, who was also known for his craftsmanship, made the first kite in what is now present-day Weifang. He is said to have spent three years making a wooden kite, but on the first day it flew, it fell to the ground and broke.

An ancient book states that kites were invented by Lu Ban (507-440 BC), a renowned carpenter, craftsman and engineer. A statue of Lu stands in front of the Weifang World Kite Museum, the largest such institution in the world.

Local historical records show that Weifang kites were popular during the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) and were a major folk art in the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911), with many artists becoming widely known for their exquisite, high-flying creations.

The city's kite-making industry really took off after reform and opening-up was launched in December 1978. In 1984, kites from Weifang were sent to Shanghai for an exhibition. They impressed officials from an international kite association, who suggested that a global platform for the arts should be established in Weifang. This led to the first Weifang International Kite Festival taking place that year.

Kite lovers from a total of 11 countries and regions, including the United States, Australia, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, Canada, Japan, New Zealand and Singapore, took part in the event.

The festival, which has since been held annually, has become a brand for the city. Many local landmarks, including the railway station, the arts center and street lamps, feature butterfly-shaped kite designs.

Thanks to the city's long and illustrious history, Weifang kites were listed as a national intangible cultural heritage in 2006.

A typical Weifang kite is made from bamboo and features Chinese painting. Traditional kite-making focuses on the four arts of tying (using bamboo for a frame), pasting (placing paper, silk and other material onto the frame), painting and "letting go" (flying).