Weifang, China – With its long history and widespread popularity, flying kites is a cherished tradition in China. The city of Weifang, located in the eastern province of Shandong, has been dubbed the “kite capital” of the country and has a rich history of kite-making. In fact, in 2006, Weifang kites were included on the first national-level intangible cultural heritage lists by the State Council.
One of the representatives for Weifang kites is Guo Hongli, a skilled kite-maker from Hanting village. Guo’s family has been in the kite-making business for generations, and he has been honing his craft since childhood. “When I was a kid, I had no toys, so I flew kites that I made by myself to have fun,” says Guo. He learned the delicate art of kite-making from his father and uncles, who instilled in him the importance of using quality materials and paying attention to detail.
Guo’s passion for kite-making led him to quit his job at a print shop and dedicate himself fully to the craft. His kites are known for their intricate shapes, which range from historical and mythological figures to animals and cultural relics. His works can measure anywhere from two centimeters to over 100 meters in length. In 2010, Guo’s “Centipede with a Dragon Head” won the gold medal at the first China Intangible Cultural Heritage Expo, and his kites have been showcased at various cultural exhibitions, including the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games and the 2011 Shanghai World Expo.
As a representative of a national intangible cultural heritage, Guo Hongli is not only committed to preserving this traditional folk art but also to innovating and adapting it to appeal to younger generations. In 2021, he was invited to design a themed kite for Tencent’s mobile game, Honor of Kings. Using a unique technique and incorporating elements from the Dunhuang murals and caves, Guo’s kite seamlessly blends tradition with modernity. He has also used online livestreams to introduce the history and production process of Weifang kites, attracting a peak audience of 6.5 million. This is not the first time Guo has collaborated with a mobile game company, having designed a kite for Perfect Word in 2019.
Guo believes that while it is important to innovate, the traditional essence of kite-making must never be lost. “Effective innovation is impossible without a good take on traditional techniques,” he says. In addition to promoting Chinese kites domestically, Guo has also traveled to over 30 countries and regions to showcase this traditional craft and has been credited with over 10 patents related to kite creation. The Ministry of Culture and Tourism (MCT) has also presented his works as gifts to over 170 institutions stationed abroad.
In 2018, Guo’s efforts to promote Chinese kites overseas caught the attention of the then Maltese president Marie-Louise Coleiro Preca, who was so impressed with Weifang kites that she decided to organize an annual Chinese kite festival in Malta.
The success of the Weifang kite industry has also been fueled by the rise of e-commerce in China. With over 600 kite enterprises and 39 exporting companies, the industry provides over 80,000 jobs and generates an annual output of over two billion yuan. Many businesses have also moved online, with daily turnover from online livestreams reaching up to 390,000 yuan.
For Guo Hongli, his ultimate goal is to pass on this traditional folk art and promote Weifang kites on the international stage. “Kites are rooted in Weifang,” he says. “As an inheritor of this craft, I hope to continue its legacy and share it with the world.”