A Brief Introduction to Chinese Kites Kites have a long and rich history in China. In ancient times, they were also known as zhiyuan (paper kites) or muyao (wooden kites).

Traditionally, Chinese kites are generally classified into two major regional styles: the Southern School and the Northern School.

In South China, kites are often referred to as yaozi (harrier kites) or banyao (wooden harrier kites).

In North China, they are commonly called muyuan (wooden hawks), fengyan (wind hawks), or feiyuan (flying hawks).

These different names reflect both regional language differences and the diverse artistic traditions of kite making across China.

As a form of folk art, the Chinese kite is typically crafted from painted silk stretched over a bamboo frame, with a silk string attached for flying.

Among the many traditional Chinese art forms, kites stand out as one of the most distinctive handicrafts, strongly reflecting national cultural characteristics.

Over time, kite flying has become a popular recreational activity enjoyed by people of all ages.

Famous Kite-Flying Cities in China Kite flying is widely practiced throughout China, with Beijing and Weifang being two of the most important centers for both kite production and kite flying.

In these cities, kites are made in a wide variety of styles by both professional artisans and amateur enthusiasts from different schools of craftsmanship.