International students in Shanghai paint kites with their favorite cultural elements. [Photo/jiading.gov.cn]
Over 20 international students from Shanghai University, along with families of foreign teachers from Shanghai Normal University's Tianhua College, participated in an experiential kite culture event in Xuhang town, Jiading district, Shanghai, on May 17.
By exploring a kite culture exhibition, crafting and flying kites by hand, they delved deeply into the allure of Jiading's Xuhang Kite, an intangible cultural heritage (ICH) item.
During the exhibition tour, the students marveled at the intricate designs of traditional Chinese kites and took photos of them. Liu Tongsheng, a representative ICH inheritor of Xuhang Kite, shared insights into the evolution of Chinese kites, from wooden designs in ancient times to the diverse forms seen today.
Under guidance, the participants unleashed their creativity by painting semi-finished kites adorned with traditional Chinese auspicious patterns. Some used their favorite traditional Chinese motifs like blue-and-white porcelain and tai chi, while some added elements from their own cultures.
Inspired by some blooming peach blossoms she observed, Russian student Emilia painted her kite with a green base and added birch forests from her homeland to symbolize natural beauty across borders. "Flying it shows harmony and beauty beyond nations," she said.
A traditional Chinese kite. [Photo/jiading.gov.cn]
During the exhibition tour, the students marveled at the intricate designs of traditional Chinese kites and took photos of them. Liu Tongsheng, a representative ICH inheritor of Xuhang Kite, shared insights into the evolution of Chinese kites, from wooden designs in ancient times to the diverse forms seen today.
Under guidance, the participants unleashed their creativity by painting semi-finished kites adorned with traditional Chinese auspicious patterns. Some used their favorite traditional Chinese motifs like blue-and-white porcelain and tai chi, while some added elements from their own cultures.
Inspired by some blooming peach blossoms she observed, Russian student Emilia painted her kite with a green base and added birch forests from her homeland to symbolize natural beauty across borders. "Flying it shows harmony and beauty beyond nations," she said.
The event culminated on a wide-open field where participants launched their creations into the sky. Conti Alessandro from Italy, flying a kite for the first time, quickly mastered the skill, sharing tips with others in fluent Chinese. "Wait for a breeze, then keep the line taut to fly it higher," he advised.
The participants fly the kites they painted. [Photo/jiading.gov.cn]