World Kite Championship kicks off in Shandong

The 21st World Kite Championship has a grand total of 1,971 kites taking part. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

The 21st World Kite Championship and the 42nd Weifang International Kite Festival began April 18 in Weifang, Shandong province. A total of 257 teams from 51 countries and regions congregated to exchange skills.

The competition is categorized into competitive and aesthetic segments. Ranging from traditional handcrafted kites to modern creations, from simple flat kites to intricate three-dimensional marvels, a diverse array of kites vied in the skies and showed the cultural nuances of various nations and regions.

Spanning a vast 460,000 square meters, the flying area stands as the world's largest land-based flying field. Encompassing zones for flight, spectator stands, green spaces, and parking facilities, it proves ideal for hosting grand-scale outdoor cultural and sporting events like major music festivals, recreational vehicle camping, and outdoor experiential learning pursuits.

Not only does the 21st World Kite Championship furnish a platform for global kite aficionados to interact and exhibit their craft, but it also injects new life into the cultural and tourism sector of Weifang.

With geographic advantages like golden coastlines and stable wind conditions, Weifang has been pioneering an innovative model of amalgamating culture, sports, and tourism. (Edited by Du Xiaping)