Nantong Kites

Kite-flying is one of the great Chinese hobbies that still is going strong today. For two thousand years, a strong fall or spring wind has brought people of all ages out into parks and public squares to let their kites soar in the breeze. Chinese kites are works of art in and of themselves and are divided into six major genres, with Nantong kites constituting one. Nantong was actually one of the four birthplaces of kite flying in China.

Much of the charm of Nantong kites comes from their stylized shapes and traditional decoration. Originally, kites were modeled on various animals that are known for their graceful flight, making hawks, sparrows, butterflies, and dragonflies some of the most popular designs. Other patterns reflect traditional folk culture - decorations of peaches or bats evoked wishes for good health and fortune, while others, like fat babies and goldfish, found their way onto kites because of their auspicious connotations.

Nantong is especially known for its Whistling Kites, which are called banyao locally. They are rather large and are made up of many connected hexagons, each with a whistle in the center. As the wind carries them higher and higher, the winds blow the many whistles, so that music from the kites soaring high in the sky floats down to the people on the ground. Kite makers often use several different tones of whistles to create a richer and harmony. In fact, the kites are often heard before they are even seen.

Nantong kites are made with a bamboo framework. The smaller kite use thin bamboo slats, while larger ones rely on thicker pieces to withstand high winds. There are two main styles of frame: detachable wings and fixed wings. Kites that have detachable wings are easy to fold up when transporting it. Although this makes the kite somewhat less durable, they are easier to transport and so make better souvenirs. With fixed wings, the kites are more durable and can be flown at higher heights, but are more of a pain to carry. Once the frame is complete it is covered with paper, cloth, or silk, which makes the finest kites. Mass produced kites have an image printed on the paper or cloth before it is attached, while custom made kites are often hand painted.