The largest kite event in western China — the “Xiannushan International Kite Festival” — will hold its grand opening ceremony on April 6th at the Xiannushan Prairie in Wulong, Chongqing. This event enjoys strong support from both domestic and international professional kite experts and organizations. During this vibrant spring season, the public will have the chance to witness and participate in this international kite extravaganza.
The “Xiannushan International Kite Festival” is a major spring-themed tourism and cultural event jointly created by the Xiannushan Scenic Area in Wulong, Chongqing, and the Weifang Arts and Crafts Research Institute of Shandong. Now in its second edition, what new surprises does this year’s festival hold compared to the first? To find out, we interviewed Manager Xing from the Weifang Arts and Crafts Research Institute, who reveals the four major highlights of the “Xiannushan International Kite Festival.”
Highlight One: Larger Scale, Stronger Lineup
The second edition of the “Xiannushan International Kite Festival” is a global, international kite extravaganza, having invited eight top teams from Europe, Oceania, Asia, and four of the strongest domestic teams — collectively representing some of the world’s finest kite-flying skills. At the opening ceremony, around 80 large kites covering nearly all types of kites are expected to take flight. Currently, along the route from Furong Cave to Wulong County and up to the Xiannushan Scenic Area, uniquely designed and novel kites have been installed, creating a strong festive kite atmosphere.
Highlight Two: A Global Mix of Elements, Offering a Novel Experience
At every kite festival, professional flyers bring their best and most skillful kites. This kite event has invited top teams from around the world, bringing together elements from across the globe. From Germany to Malaysia… different regions and cultures collide, using kites as a medium to offer visitors unique thrills.
Highlight Three: Giant “Transformers” Kites to Make an Appearance
In 2013, Transformers: Age of Extinction was filmed at Wulong’s Tiankeng Sanxia. For this “Kite Festival,” two specially made 12-meter-by-4-meter soft “Transformers” kites have been created. Manager Xing explained that excluding design time, just crafting one kite takes about ten people nearly a week. During the event, visitors will be able to see the “Optimus Prime” and “Bumblebee” kites at Xiannushan.
Highlight Four: Diverse Activities and Abundant Prizes
Throughout the kite festival, the Wulong Scenic Area has prepared a rich variety of online and offline activities: “Draw My Xiannushan,” “Visit Wulong and Share Family Photos,” “Parent-Child Riddle Competitions,” “Parent-Child Camping”… Plus, prizes include tickets to the Impression of Wulong show, Xiannushan Scenic Area tickets, kites, vouchers… with plenty of great giveaways.