9:30 AM:

Arrival at the Chinese kite workshop.

9:45 to 10:45 AM:

Introduction to the kite's history and the kite-making process.

10:45 to 11:50 AM:

Make your own kites under the guidance of our local experts.

11:50 AM to Noon:

● Bilingual (English and Chinese) guides who are knowledgeable and passionate about Chinese culture

● Transportation to and from the destination

● Handicraft lesson

● Drinking water

● All materials required to build your own kite

This program consists of three parts.

Firstly, you will learn about the kite's history and the building process.

Secondly, you will build your own kite with the help of the workshop master by going through the following steps:

- Making the frame
- Preparing and attaching the paper
- Painting the kite
- Attaching the strings

Through the kite-making process you will receive help and tips from the kite-making master. Our guides will be ready and willing to advise and help you bring out traditional Chinese aspects in your kites design.

Thirdly, when you have finished your kite, you can enjoy testing out your kite in the local area.

Did you know that the Chinese were the first to make kites? The history of Chinese kites extends to over 2,400 years ago. At this time, China was still divided into several kingdoms during the Spring and Autumn and the Warring States periods. The first recorded details of the kite can be found in the book of Han Fei Zi, which describes the three years it took to create a man-lifting kite known as the "Wooden Black Eard Kite," by the Chinese philosopher, Mo Zi. Some time later, the book of Hong Shu gives record that Lu Ban, a master craftsman, created a variant of the earlier wooden black eard kite which he used as a primitive reconnaissance device. In addition to reconnaissance, kites were most likely used for testing winds, lifting men and objects, signals, measuring distances, and communicating during military operations. As has been made clear, their originally function was not based on recreational purposes.

From the earliest descriptions of Chinese kites, we know that they were made with bamboo or wooden frames and covered with silk (followed by paper after its discovery). During the affluent Tang dynasty, common folk had the resources to make their own smaller versions of kites using long bamboo strips. When these strips were flown in the breeze, they would vibrate and ring, creating a sound similar to that of a traditional Chinese string instrument—the Zheng. As a result, the Chinese characters for kites are Fengzheng, or wind Zheng. Modern kite fliers like to replace string with silk strings or long rubber bands to create pleasant sounds.

Nowadays, you will see many people flying kites during good weather all across China. Kites have lost their purpose as military weapons, but have turned into recreational items associated with fortune, prosperity, and health. A kite can be painted with various animals and signs to represent good luck and the warding off of evil spirits. It is also believed that flying kites is healthy for the body, as tilting the head slightly upwards helps balance the inner body's Yin and Yang.