Chinese kite originated from the Warring States Period (476 BC-221 BC). The deft craftsman Lu Ban was said to be the inventor. His invention had the bird' s name of 'Yuan' (鸢), a kind of bird of hawk family with a long, often forked tail and a long pointed winds. He made the kite out of the thin wooden or bamboo strips.

After the Han Dynasty (206 BC -220 AD), paper was introduced into the kite-making and replaced the wood and bamboo. Hence, the kite got the name 'Zhi Yuan' (纸鸢), as 'Zhi' in Chinese means paper.

During the Five Dynasties Period ( 907 AD -960 AD), people tied the bamboo whistle to the kite. When the kite flying, the airflow can make the whistle sounded like guzheng playing, hence the name 'Fengzheng' (风筝).

As the civilization advanced, it became very popular to make and play the kite  in Weifang area, Shandong Province during the Tang and Song dynasties. Weifang's kite has reached its heyday during the Tang and Song dynasties.

Every year in spring during the Qingming Festival, the weather become warm. Almost every household went out to fly the kite and have a picnic in sunny and windy days. It was an exuberant folk activity and a good time to display the kites as well as enjoy the warm weather and the fresh air.

The tradition has been well kept until today and becomes the world-famous Weifang International Kite Festival, which is held between 20th to 25th in April every year.

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