Group 1 - The 2025 Kite World Cup will be held in Wuhan's Mulan Grassland Scenic Area from September 23 to 29, attracting over 50 top competitors from more than 20 countries [2] - The event will feature various competition categories including individual, duo, and team ballet in sport kites, showcasing high-level skills and artistic expression [2] - Accompanying the competition, a national sport kite championship will involve approximately 120 participants from 30 domestic teams [2] Group 2 - The event will include large-scale kite displays, a nighttime illuminated kite show, and multiple cultural experience activities, creating an "Aerial Art Feast" [2] - Mulan Grassland will launch three major themed activities: "Kite Carnival," "Kite Culture Tour," and "New Kite Performance," promoting the integration of kite culture with physical education [2] - The activities will feature intangible cultural heritage workshops, exhibitions by renowned kite makers, and live performances, with around 10 intangible cultural heritage inheritors demonstrating traditional crafting techniques [2][3]

Core Viewpoint - The annual Weifang International Kite Festival showcases the rich history and cultural significance of kites, which originated in China and have evolved into a global phenomenon [3][12]. Historical Background - Kites have a history dating back over two thousand years, initially used for military purposes before evolving into a recreational activity after the invention of paper by Cai Lun in the Eastern Han Dynasty [3][5]. - The term "wooden kite" was commonly used before the Han Dynasty, and the transition to "paper kite" marked a shift towards leisure activities [3]. Cultural Significance - Kites have been featured in literature and art since the Song Dynasty, with famous poems depicting the joy of kite flying in spring [5]. - Various regional styles of kites have developed in China, reflecting local customs, climate, and aesthetics, such as the Beijing kite represented by the swallow, the exquisite Tianjin Wei Ji kite, and the sound-producing Nantong board kite [7]. Craftsmanship and Techniques - Traditional kite-making involves techniques such as tying, pasting, painting, and flying, with artisans honing their skills to create unique designs [9]. - The painting of kites combines artistic techniques with practical considerations for flight, resulting in both functional and decorative pieces [10]. Modern Developments - An increasing number of inheritors are engaging in the innovation and transmission of kite-making skills, with the Weifang Kite Festival serving as a platform for creativity and competition [12]. - Kite competitions have gained popularity worldwide, becoming a beloved recreational and competitive activity that reflects local cultural characteristics [12].