Sun | May 12, 2024

A sky full of kites

Published:Sunday | April 28, 2024 | 12:14 AM
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Kites fly during the 41st International Kite Festival in Weifang, Shandong Province of China.
AP
Kites fly during the 41st International Kite Festival in Weifang, Shandong Province of China.
A man gives air to panda-shaped kite during the 41st International Kite Festival in Weifang.
AP
A man gives air to panda-shaped kite during the 41st International Kite Festival in Weifang.
Kites lie on the ground during the 41st International Kite Festival .
AP
Kites lie on the ground during the 41st International Kite Festival .
Visitors watch kites fly at the 41st International Kite Festival.
AP
Visitors watch kites fly at the 41st International Kite Festival.
A dragon-shaped kite flies in the air at the 41st International Kite Festival.
AP
A dragon-shaped kite flies in the air at the 41st International Kite Festival.
A pig-shaped kite flies at the 41st International Kite Festival.
AP
A pig-shaped kite flies at the 41st International Kite Festival.
AP Photos A car-shaped kite prepares to lift at the 41st International Kite Festival
AP
AP Photos A car-shaped kite prepares to lift at the 41st International Kite Festival
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The 20th World Kite Championship has seen a total of 137 teams comprising 465 participants from 46 countries and regions compete in the event, showcasing 509 kites in China’s capital of kites, Weifang, in east China’s Shandong Province.

The event was held during the weekend in conjunction with the city’s 41st International Kite Festival and 2024 Kite Carnival, making Weifang a real hotspot for kite artisans and aficionados this spring.

The tradition of kite-flying in Weifang can be traced back to the Song Dynasty(960-1279) when it began to gain popularity among the general public. It further flourished during the Ming Dynasty(1368-1644) and became a widespread practice during the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911). Weifang kites are renowned for their graceful designs, meticulous craftsmanship and vibrant colours, establishing them as a significant school within the realm of Chinese kites.

CGTN via Embassy of China in Jamaica.