Source: CCTV.com

04-15-2008 09:51

Hundreds of kites of all different shapes and sizes swarm the sky above Yinchuan. Here, in the capital of Northwest China's Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, kite enthusiasts from far and wide gather for the 2008 Yinchuan International Kite Invitational.

Hundreds of kites of all different shapes and sizes swarm  the sky above Yinchuan.

The clear skies and gentle breezes combine to make a perfect day for kite flying. A legion of colorful kites soar aloft, against the cerulean backdrop of the city's skyline.

Sunday's contest was separated in seven categories. There were String Kite, Three Dimensional Kite, Hard-Winged Kite and Soft-winged Kite. Many of the airborne gadgets took the forms of different creatures. There was a funny-looking cuttlefish and a giant "Dragon Head Centipede" which has powerful wind catching design enabling it to fly very high.

Li Yinhua, a contestant from the Xuzhou Kite Flying Team, brings a tremendously long "Dragon Kite". It extends forty-five meters. He says Dragon symbolizes success and fortune.

Li Yinhua said, "It took my team and me more than a month to finish the dragon kite. It's made of silk and paper."

Kite flying is one of China's favorite and most enduring pastimes. It dates back to the Five Dynasties period more than 1000 years ago.