Weifang International Kite Festival: April 20-25

　　Every year, kite lovers from around the globe gather in the city of Weifang in Shandong Province to participate in one of the largest and most diverse kite festivals in the world. Since its start in 1984, the festival has played host to delegates and kite fans from over 145 countries and regions and has transformed the cultural and economic landscape of this small city. During the festival of 2002, a mind-boggling 10 million kites were sold, bringing in over US$48 million in revenue. Last year, 47 different teams representing 20 countries competed for top honors and drew in an estimated three million visitors. Kite lovers compete in five categories with judges awarding the largest, the longest, the most attractive, and the most creative kites of the festival.

　　This year's festival kicks off at 3:30pm on April 20 and runs until April 25, with an opening ceremony featuring popular singers and artists from around the country, Peking opera performances, local and international dance troops, and an appearance by Da Shan (Canadian sinophile Mark Rowswell). But, the highlight of this year's festival will most likely be the Miss Kite competition, which will pit candidates from 67 member states of the International Kite Union as well as parts of China against each other in a battle for the crown. The festival will be the stage for the first round of competition, while the final rounds will be held in August.

　　Weifang became synonymous with kite making during the Song Dynasty (960-1279), when a number of households built kites and created a cottage industry. Soon, the city's reputation spread across the empire and even overseas. In the 13th century, Weifang held its first-ever kite festival, which was celebrated annually for only three years. It wasn't until April of 1984 that the kite festival came back, and Weifang regained its status as the kite capital of the world.