Spring and Autumn period (770–476 BCE)
traditional crafts
National Heritage
East China
active
Chinese kite making is a traditional craft combining bamboo frame construction with silk or paper covering. Weifang, known as the "Kite Capital of the World," has a kite-making tradition spanning centuries. Designs range from simple geometric shapes to elaborate three-dimensional dragons, phoenixes, and figures. The craft involves frame bending, paper cutting, painting, and precise balancing to achieve flight.
Skills & Techniques
Weifang Kite Making expand_more
The craft of building kites from bamboo frames covered with silk or paper, with precise balancing for stable flight.
Steps
- Select and split bamboo into thin, even strips
- Bend bamboo over a flame to create the frame shape
- Tie joints with silk thread for flexibility
- Cut and paste silk or paper covering onto the frame
- Paint the covering with traditional designs
- Attach the flying line and test balance
- Adjust tail weight and line attachment point for stable flight
Tools
bamboo knife, flame source, scissors, brush set, measuring tape
Materials
bamboo strips, silk fabric, xuan paper, waterproof paint, silk kite line
Related Places
Relationship Constellation
This heritage item connects to 9 entities across the atlas — masters, places, festivals, and stories.
Continue the Journey
Explore more heritage items across the atlas.
Suzhou Embroidery
A refined silk embroidery style known for thread-splitting fineness, subtle colors, and the miraculous double-sided embroidery technique.
Sichuan Bamboo Weaving
Transforming bamboo into paper-thin strips woven into baskets, screens, and intricate artworks — a harmony of nature and patience.