Text by MOOK Scenic Spots Editorial Team
As autumn winds blow, it’s once again the season for kite flying. The “2017 New Taipei City North Coast International Kite Festival” will be grandly held on September 30 and October 1 at Baishawan in Shimen District, New Taipei City. On September 30, expert kite flyers will kick off the event with a demonstration performance to warm up the atmosphere. This year’s kite festival has invited participants from the Asian International Kite Federation, as well as teams from Brazil, Argentina, the United States, Malaysia, Vietnam, Singapore, mainland China, and domestic kite enthusiasts—bringing together over 20 teams and more than 100 kite flyers from both home and abroad to compete and exchange skills and cultural ideas.
As autumn winds blow, it’s once again the season for kite flying. The “2017 New Taipei City North Coast International Kite Festival” will be grandly held on September 30 and October 1 at Baishawan in Shimen District, New Taipei City. On September 30, expert kite flyers will kick off the event with a demonstration performance to warm up the atmosphere. This year’s kite festival has invited participants from the Asian International Kite Federation, as well as teams from Brazil, Argentina, the United States, Malaysia, Vietnam, Singapore, mainland China, and domestic kite enthusiasts—bringing together over 20 teams and more than 100 kite flyers from both home and abroad to compete and exchange skills and cultural ideas.
(Photo / New Taipei City North Coast International Kite Festival)
On the day of the festival, thousands of uniquely designed kites—including shaped kites, soft kites, and stunt kites—will fill the sky over the North Coast, creating a stunning and magnificent display. Visitors can enjoy an exciting, dynamic, 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 also known for its ecological conservation efforts, often attracting birds such as the Taiwan blue magpie. The “2017 New Taipei City North Coast International Kite Festival” has specially themed the event around ecology and the ocean, featuring the Taiwan national bird—the blue magpie—transformed into a kite soaring high above the North Coast and stepping onto the international stage. Additionally, Malaysia’s Kenny Kite Family will present a massive 30-meter-long whale kite leading the way, accompanied by a marine-themed series including sharks, dolphins, jellyfish, and crabs. Making their first appearance in Taiwan, the Argentine team will showcase octopus-shaped soft kites, while the Brazilian team will debut with soaring seagull kites and sunflowers, filling the North Coast skies with a vibrant marine ecological atmosphere.
(Photo / New Taipei City North Coast International Kite Festival)
New Taipei City has been hosting the kite festival in Shimen District for 18 consecutive years. Over this time, kite flying has taken root in the local culture. Laomei Elementary School in the district is known as the “Kite Elementary School,” incorporating kite-making into its curriculum and winning numerous awards. Last year, Shimen Junior High School also received a Special Award from the Ministry of Education for its “Kite Spirits in Shimen” project.
This year’s kite craft exhibition focuses on the theme of heritage and innovation, divided into two sections. It showcases kite creations by local students in Shimen, as well as works by international kite art master Huang Jingzhen, who crafted artistic kites using fabric dyed with Tieguanyin tea—an iconic product of the region. The joint exhibition of international masters and local students highlights the kite culture of the North Coast.
This year’s kite craft exhibition focuses on the theme of heritage and innovation, divided into two sections. It showcases kite creations by local students in Shimen, as well as works by international kite art master Huang Jingzhen, who crafted artistic kites using fabric dyed with Tieguanyin tea—an iconic product of the region. The joint exhibition of international masters and local students highlights the kite culture of the North Coast.
(Photo / New Taipei City North Coast International Kite Festival)
In addition, there will be fireworks and glowing kite performances, along with experience activities such as the “North Coast Agricultural Specialty Market,” “Kite DIY,” and a “Stamp Rally for Souvenirs,” all designed to allow visitors to gain a deeper appreciation of the scenic beauty and cultural richness of the North Coast.
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