Weifang city in East China's Shandong province — known as the world capital of kites — announced in Beijing on Sept 19 the global launch of the autumn edition of the 2025 Weifang International Kite Festival. 

From late September to late October, the city will stage over 20 activities, highlighting both tradition and innovation in kite culture.

Over the years, Weifang has transformed its kite festival into a world-class celebration that integrates sport, culture, trade and tourism. 

This year's autumn edition — themed on "Flying Dreams, Embracing Peace" — also commemorates the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression (1931-45) and the World Anti-Fascist War. Organizers hope that kite culture will serve as a bridge for global dialogue and promoting peace.

International guests try their hand at kite painting during the global launch of the autumn edition of the 2025 Weifang International Kite Festival in Beijing. [Photo/Shandian News]

The festival program spans four pillars: Sports, culture, fitness and trade. Highlights include a National Day kite-flying event and the 6th National Traditional Kite Design Contest. Cultural activities will feature a conference on the heritage of Chinese New Year Paintings, while fitness enthusiasts can take part in the Weifang Marathon. On the trade side, events such as the Chinese Farmers' Harvest Festival will spotlight the city's agricultural and commercial vitality.

At the Beijing launch, guests immersed themselves in Weifang's intangible cultural heritage, from handcrafted kites and Yangjiabu New Year woodblock prints to Gaomi paper-cutting and traditional lanterns. Local specialties, including Zhucheng green tea, Qingzhou peaches and Linqu foie gras, were also presented, alongside live performances that captured the vibrancy of Weifang's traditions.

A Weifang kite-making artisan demonstrates the traditional craft. [Photo/Shandian News]

Weifang is warmly inviting friends from across the globe to join this autumn's celebrations and to witness a dazzling sky filled with kites — celebrating peace, friendship and cultural vitality.