Sponsored by the local government of Weifang, the annually held festival is a cultural and commercial event.

The festival will run to May 6.

More than 100 kite teams with over 900 people will participate the International Kite Contest.

It is expected dozens of countries or regions will send delegates to attend.

The opening ceremonies on April 20 will include a theatrical festival and fireworks. Colourful cultural, sports and traditional activities, such as dragon-boat racing and a fishing contest, lantern show and folk custom event are highlights.

The first Weifang Delicacies Fair will be also held.

The main trade activities will include the International Vegetables Exhibition. At the same time, the Shandong-Taiwan Trade Fair will be held in Weifang.

A fireworks party will be another attraction on the evening of April 20.

A kite-flying activity participated by more than 100,000 people will be held in the city's square.

A street parade will be held in Weifang on April 22.

Known as "World's Capital of Kites," the headquarters of the International Kite Federation is found in the Kite Museum there. The annual kite festival also offers an exposition of kite arts and crafts attended by hundreds of thousands of people across the world.

(Beijing Weekend January 25, 2003)