By MOOK Scenic Spots Editorial Team
As autumn breezes arrive, it's once again kite-flying season. The “2017 New Taipei City North Coast International Kite Festival” was held on September 30 and October 1 at Baishawan in Shimen District, New Taipei City, with kite masters taking the stage for an opening demonstration performance on September 30 to kick off the event. This year’s kite festival invited participants from the Asian International Kite Federation, as well as teams from Brazil, Argentina, the United States, Malaysia, Vietnam, Singapore, mainland China, and local talent, gathering over 20 teams and more than 100 domestic and international kite experts for a friendly competition and cultural exchange.
(Photo / New Taipei City North Coast International Kite Festival)
On the day of the kite festival, thousands of uniquely designed kites—featuring various shapes, soft kites, and stunt kites—filled the sky above the North Coast, creating a magnificent spectacle. Visitors enjoyed a thrilling, whimsical, and fun-filled kite experience.
(Photo / New Taipei City North Coast International Kite Festival)
Taiwan is a maritime nation rich in oceanic and ecological resources. The Songshan community within the North Coast area is known for its ecological conservation efforts and is often home to birds such as the Taiwan blue magpie. The “2017 New Taipei City North Coast International Kite Festival” specially themed the event around ecology and the ocean. The national bird of Taiwan, the blue magpie, took flight as a kite soaring above the North Coast, representing the country on the international stage. Additionally, the Kenny Kite Family from Malaysia brought a massive 30-meter whale kite to lead the show, accompanied by an ocean-themed series featuring sharks, dolphins, jellyfish, and crabs. Making their first appearance in Taiwan, the Argentine team presented octopus
(Photo / New Taipei City North Coast International Kite Festival)
New Taipei City has been hosting the Kite Festival in Shimen District for 18 years, during which kites have taken deep root in local culture. Laomei Elementary School in the area is known as the “Kite Elementary School,” incorporating kite-related themes into its curriculum and winning numerous awards. Last year, Shimen Junior High School also received an “Outstanding Award” from the Ministry of Education for its exhibit “Kite Spirits in Shimen.”
This year’s kite craft exhibition is specially themed around heritage and innovation, divided into two sections. It showcases kite creations by local students in Shimen, as well as artistic kites made by international kite art master Huang Jingzhen using fabric dyed with Tieguanyin tea — a specialty of the region. The joint exhibition by the international master and local students highlights the kite culture of the North Coast.
(Photo / New Taipei City North Coast International Kite Festival)
Additionally, there will be fireworks and glow-in-the-dark kite performances, along with experience activities such as the “North Coast Agricultural Specialty Market,” “Kite DIY,” and a “Stamp Collection for Souvenirs,” all designed to allow the public to more deeply appreciate the beauty of the North Coast’s landscapes and culture.