Weifang - Kite City

Last Saturday four other teachers and I, along with two Chinese students for guides, took the bullet train to Weifang for the annual kite festival. The weather was supposed to be quite pleasant, but instead it snowed the night before. We weren't dressed as warmly as we should have been and some of us (me) got wet feet, as we tromped around the snowy field,  but we still had a good time and enjoyed the sights.

We didn't know that this was an international competition. We were surprised at all the countries represented. I love this cool building.

 We got there at lunchtime - in between shows - so we walked around looking for something to eat. Most of the food from the little vendors looked a little scary, so we wandered across the field to the competitors side and found the American group. They told us all the kites are hand made by the competitors. (I don't think this includes the inflatables.) It was fun to talk to this man, the editor of Kiting magazine from Alabama. He gave us one of his magazines.

We noticed that they all had a tray of food and asked about buying one, but it was only supplied to  those in the show. But at one country's tent they had extras and shared with our group. We were so excited and grateful. Then we found an empty tent with 8 padded chairs and even a tablecloth on a table. We made ourselves to home and enjoyed our meal, even though it looked and tasted very Chinese. Bite-sized pieces of fish with lots of bones, little bites of pork, shredded, almost raw potatoes, some kind of brown root w/holes, and the drink was a rice congee - unsalted rice drink. But we were so hungry, we (most of us) ate it all (most of it).

Now for some of the sights. There was some discussion among the contestents about whether the inflatable kites were legit, but they were impressive!

 

Trying to get this one off the ground

I loved this one

But they're not for sale

Not a real good day for taking pictures

An overview of the field

Things were just getting going again for the afternoon, when we had to leave because we still wanted to see the kite museum and then make it back to our train on time. A taxi brought us out here and we still needed to find a ride back into town.
So many marvelous ancient kites in the museum. I don't know how to choose.

With bells

I loved the sculptures outside too, all looking up toward the kites only they can see.

Making a dragon kite

And finally, this guy!

Isn't he great!