The 37th Weifang International Kite Festival kicked off on Sept 26 in Shandong province's Weifang city, also known as the World Kite Capital.

Kites float in the air. [Video provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

The event has invited kite-flying hobbyists and professionals as well as traditional kite craftsmen from across the country to show off their skills and promote kite culture.

Due to the global COVID-19 outbreak, kite-flying enthusiasts and teams from foreign countries have been invited to take part in the online activities to showcase the diversity of kite cultures worldwide.

A kite designed to resemble horseback riding takes to the sky. [Video provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

Kite-flying competitions, traditional kite culture promotional activities, a kite-themed cosplay event and creative design competitions will take place during the festival.

Weifang, the birthplace of kites, has held the kite festival annually since 1984, attracting competitors and tourists from around the world.

A whale-shaped kite flies high in the sky. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

The kites of Chinese animated characters from Calabash Brothers take to the sky. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

Kite enthusiasts fly their kites at the opening ceremony of the 37th Weifang International Kite Festival in Weifang, East China's Shandong province, Sept 26. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

A kite, which pays tribute to medical staff fighting the coronavirus, is seen in the sky. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]