Culture of Weifang

Kite-flying is a traditional custom among the people in Weifang in spring. It is the outstanding handicraft skills of kites produced in Weifang, as well as the special atmosphere which is quite suitable for flying kites that make Weifang Kites more and more popular not only in China but also in the other countries.

In 1984, the first International Kite Festival was held in Weifang. More than ten thousand kite fans attended the opening ceremony. People from eleven different countries and regions, including the United States, Canada and so on, took part in the festival and performed flying kites. Since then, Weifang holds the International Kite Festival every year in April and is well-known as the “International Kite Capital” all over the world.

Annual Broad of Yangjiabu (杨家埠木版年画), which is one of the three most famous Chinese folk paintings in history, began from the end of the Ming Dynasty. It reached the peak of its development during the Qing Dynasty. People usually replace the old Annual Broads with the new ones on the eve of Spring Festival, which is the most important festival in China, in order to give blessings to the family and friends for the following year. The subjects of Annual Broad of Yangjiabu are various, which include flowers, beauties, landscapes, characters from myths and legends. The architecture skills such as concise lines and bright colors reflect the distinctive characteristics of people in Weifang.

Paper cutting in Gaomi (高密剪纸) has a long history for more than four hundred years. Mostly, women are good at paper cutting. This widely spread handicraft has the unique style, such as strong contrast in color, straight and simple line and exaggerated outline. The characters mostly come from the drama stories, flowers and birds, as well as some fantastic symbols.