Weifang Kite Museum

Weifang Kite Museum

Intangible Heritage

Kites were first documented in the early Warring States Period by famous philosopher Mozi, who spent three years to craft a wooden bird in the 450BC, originated in Weifang, a city in Northeast China. Kite was exclusive before flying was then spread by traders from China to Korea, across Asia to India. During the period of civil unrest when a lot of attacks from foreign powers were received, kites play a critical role in providing military intelligence for the Chinese army. Each area has distinct kites and various cultural purpose. Today, elaborated and large designs up to 304 meters can be seen flying above parks in China. They often resemble animals of the Chinese Zodiac and symbolises meaning using vegetation patterns. With the use of wood, paper, silk and complex constructions, the kite has become a symbol of Chinese innovation. Kites are also denoted with cultural meanings. According to other historical accounts, kites were used to drive off personal bad luck by flying them and releasing the string. Weifang Museum of Kites, a museum located in a city that has been reowned as capital of kites, has been the only archival documentation of this craft. It collects and displays kite treasures, fully embod-ies the unique artistic charm of Weifang kite culture, and has become the center of dissemination and promotion of kite culture. The museum does not have a website or platform. Visitors can only gather information from Baidu or Wikipedia.

wordlheritage2022

1989

yuqi2022

Chinese

Site

466

25/04/2022

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Weifang_World_Kite_Museum

cm x cm x cm

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Weifang_World_Kite_Museum

Chinese government

Weifang Kite Museum

http://www.wfkitemuseum.cn/index.html

TEXT

Building

743

Ongoing

public

1

yw217@st-andrews.ac.uk