Weifang hosts annual kite festival

The 31st Weifang International Kite Festival and the 10th International Kite Championship Contest kicked off on April 19, 2014 in Weifang, Shandong province. More than 100 teams from over 60 countries and regions such as Italy and Australia traveled here to fly a variety of kites in Weifang, the world's kite flying capital city.

Weifang first launched its kite festival in 1984. The city is home to Chinese philosopher Mo Di, who lived almost 2,500 years ago and reputedly spent three years making a flying wooden bird--the earliest known kite in history. Today there are more than 100 kite factories in Weifang where many local families hand-make kites in their leisure time.

A kite flies during the 31st Weifang International Kite Festival in Weifang, East China's Shandong province, April 19, 2014.[Photo/icpress]