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Weifang, "Kite capital of the world"
    2008-01-22 17:09:16     CRIENGLISH.com


An overview of Weifang [photo source: sd.infobase.gov.cn]


Located in the central part of Shandong Peninsula in eastern China, Weifang lies halfway between Jinan and Qingdao. Around the solar "Clear and Bright" period in mid-April every year, locals enjoy the tradition of kite-flying. Weifang also plays host to an international kite festival.

--Scenic Spots:

1. Weifang World Kite Museum

Weifang World Kite Museum [photo source: travelguide.sunnychina.com]

Weifang has been titled the "kite capital of the world." It has the largest kite museum in the world, covering an area of 8,100 square meters. The design of the museum resembles the famous Weifang local dragon-head centipede kite.

"Silver line link the world, kites spread friendship" is the theme of the kite museum.

The museum houses more than one thousand exquisitely made kites from around the world, plus many resources to teach visitors kite making skills.

2. Old Dragon Lake

This scenic spot boasts of springs, pools, bridges and many other historic buildings. The numerous springs in this region have brought wide fame to this area.

The spring water at the Old Dragon Lake is so clear that you can see right to the bottom, with spring water bubbling up like strands of pearls.

In the early morning or at dusk, vapor on the lake meets with the mist above, the scene is fantastic!

3. Yunmen Mountain

The main peak of the mountain is the Dayunding Peak. The cave on the peak is like a magnificent gate when you see it up close and looks like a mirror hung on the peak when seen from afar.

Favored by Taoists and Buddhists, the mountain boasts of many religious structures. Visitors can also admire cliff inscriptions and grottoes on the mountain.

--Local Highlights:

Weifang International Kite Festival

This annual event takes place around mid-April.

Major events during the festival include the opening ceremony, kite-flying performances, and grand competitions among Chinese and foreign kite-fliers. During the competition, representatives from over 30 countries and regions attend, and each country shows its excellent kites.

--Special Local Products:

1. Kites and woodcuts

Weifang Kites [photo source: city.wfinfo.net.cn]

Kites include hard and soft winged kites, stereoscopic kites, dragon kites and miniature kites, just to name a few.

2. New Year pictures and paper cutting

3. Sea product: prawns
With its northern coastline bordered by the Bohai Sea, Weifang is also a key production base of prawns in China.

--How to get there:

1. By air:
Weifang Airport is 7 kilometers from the downtown area and offers direct flights to Beijing, Shanghai and Guangzhou. Transportation to and from the airport is convenient, with both taxis and city buses readily available.
Beijing to Weifang, one hour and 15 minutes, 80 US dollars
Shanghai to Weifang, one hour and 20 minutes, 95 US dollars

2. By bus:
Buses from Jinan and Qingdao to Weifang depart every 30 minutes. The journey usually takes 2 to 3 hours.

Weifang offers several star-rated hotels, such as the Fuwah Hotel (5-star) and the Weifang International Financial Tower (4-star), for 18 to 74 US dollars per night.

--Tourist Tips:
1. All four seasons are pleasant times to visit, but visitors can catch the kite festival during April.

2. You can buy one or two kites to keep as souvenirs.





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