Discover Exquisite Chinese Kites In Beijing
The kite was invented in China more than 2,500 years ago, during the Spring and Autumn Period, by the famous Chinese philosopher Mozi. It is believed he crafted a “flying bird” out of a piece of wood that flew in the sky for a whole day. Visitors to Beijing like to buy a beautiful Chinese kites as gifts when they go shopping in the city.
Later kites were used as military instruments to measure distance, test the wind, aid communication, and rescue people. Nowadays, flying kites has become a popular form of entertainment and competition. A lot of people like to fly kites in local or international events to demonstrate their kite-making and kite-flying skills.
Cultural Note: A Han general won the famous Battle of Gaixia by destroying the will of his enemy’s soldiers. He did this by ordering his soldiers to sing the local songs to induce nostalgia in the hearts of the enemy. The singing was accompanied by the sound of flutes attached to kites they flew in the sky. This tactic caused a lot of the enemy soldiers to lose their will for fighting and flee the battlefield.
Kites were used more as a tool for entertainment than a military instrument during the Tang dynasty. At first, only royal family members could play with kites. Later it became popular among commoners who flew them on important events and festivals.
In the Ming dynasty, kites were once again used for military purposes. Many emperors ordered their soldiers to fly kites that carried explosives. The explosives would fall on the enemy and gave the Chinese a great edge on the battlefield.
The six “Kite Cities” in China are famous for their unique styles. They are Beijing, Kaifing, Tianjin, Weifang, Nantong, and Yangjiang.
Weifang is sometimes called the “Kite Capital of the World.” It is believed the first kite was invented in this city. The largest kite museum in the world is here, and it covers an area of over 8,100 square meters. Every year, kite fans from all over the world come to Weifang to watch and take part in the annual International Kite Festival. The local kites are famous for their sophisticated craftsmanship.
Beijing’s kites are most famous for their beauty. Some of the most exquisite kites in China were made here, since a lot of the local kite artisans were hired by the emperors themselves. There are three famous local styles developed by three kite masters: Cao Xueqin, Jin Fuzhong, and Ha Changying. Their kites are known for their cultured design, vivid patterns, and light body.
[i:22:j]Kites produced in the other four “Kite Cities” are also famous for their distinct styles. Kites made in Nantong, for example, are able to produce beautiful sounds in the sky because of whistles attached to them.
Tips: If you want to find high-quality Chinese kites in Beijing, some small, specialized kite shops are good places to go. When you select the kites you like, remember to check if they are made of good materials and demonstrate a high level of craftsmanship. You can buy one made of pure silk for decoration and another one made of nylon for flying. Most kite frames are made of bamboo or steel. Remember to check to see if the frames are broken or have cracks. You can go with a personal shopper in Beijing to assist you in your shopping, because this person can offer you insider information on a lot of the things you buy.
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