A photo of the previous edition of the Weifang International Kite Festival [Photo/IC]

Known as the "City of Kites", Weifang, Shandong province will kick off the 40th International Kite Festival at the International Kite Flying Field in Binhai district on April 15, providing a platform for opening-up and economic exchanges, as well as creating an international gala featuring traditional cultures and Chinese characteristics.

Featuring activities geared towards youth, immersive experiences, and cultural activities, this year's festival will have a longer duration and tap into the brand value of the world kite capital, enhancing the level of its internationalization, platform, as well as marketization through an array of colorful activities under its 19 agendas.

Music carnivals add vitality

Music carnivals combining kites with cultural tourism will inject a youthful spirit and vitality into the event. As an important part of the festival, a kite-themed music carnival concert will be held at the kite flying field in Binhai from April 15 to 16, while the 2023 Weifang Youth Music Festival will kick off at the Fuyanshan International Kite Flying Field from May 20 to May 21 with 14 well-known domestic bands and singers performing.

Kites of various shapes are seen at the previous edition of the Weifang International Kite Festival. [Photo/IC] 

Bringing art into daily life

The kite festival also boasts the fusion of creative bazaars and culture. One example is the Creative Bazaar and Starry Sky Camping Food Festival, which will be held at the kite flying field from April 15 to 17. Visitors can not only appreciate characteristic kites, but also enjoy Weifang's cultural and creative products, artistic derivatives, as well as food.

A kite-themed cultural and creative display, as well as an exhibition focusing on intangible cultural heritage items will be held at the Weifang World Kite Museum from April 15 to May 20. They will promote the brand image and industrialization of Weifang's handmade products, as well as showcase local cultural and creative legacies, such as kites, paper-cutting techniques, nut carvings, rubbings, and Chinese costumes. 

Boasting immersive experiences

The 2023 International Kite Festival E-Commerce Live Broadcast Conference will kick off at the kite flying field from April 15 to 16 to promote local scenic spots, agricultural products, as well as consumer goods, stimulating market consumption.

To combine sports with cultural tourism, consumption, technology, education, and health, the city's first orienteering championship on April 30 will be another highlight during the kite festival. The event will set up five characteristic routes with more than 100 tasks, focusing on enhancing the "sports plus new scenes" brand and presenting the unique charm of Weifang. 

This year's kite festival will launch a metaverse platform where visitors can enjoy immersive experiences, tour the exhibition halls, as well as enjoy the digital collection, folk customs, and mobile games through an online mini program.

Other events will include a kite-themed oil painting exhibition, a youth painting exhibition at the Weifang Art Museum, an international dance sports competition, and a countryside marathon.