International students in Shanghai are becoming more familiar with local culture through a vivid traditional Chinese kite-making experience.

On May 17, over 20 international students from Shanghai University and expat families from Shanghai Normal University Tianhua College embarked on a kite-themed cultural journey in Jiading district. The event offered an exhibition, hands-on painting, and kite flying, all under the guidance of local cultural experts.

Visitors listened attentively as Liu Tongsheng, a local kite maker, traced the history of kites, from wooden birds of the Eastern Zhou Dynasty (770-256BC) to the richly symbolic paper kites of the Tang Dynasty (618-907). Many participants took photos of the intricate designs on display.

Creativity took flight as guests painted their own kites, combining Chinese patterns like blue-and-white porcelain and bamboo groves with symbols from their home countries.

Emilia from Russia, inspired by peach blossoms on the kite, painted birch trees on the other side to represent harmony between cultures. "When the kite flies, it's like watching two worlds meet in the sky," she said.

On the open lawn, laughter and cheers filled the air as kites soared. Alessandro from Italy, flying a kite for the first time, soon mastered the skill and shared his tips in fluent Chinese, "At first, you have to wait for a gust of wind. Once the kite takes off, you need to keep pulling the string to help it fly higher and higher."

For many participants, the event was more than just a fun outing — it was a cultural bridge linking people and traditions under the same sky.

Source: Shanghai Observer