Weifang International Kite Festival 2026: Dates & Program

The Weifang International Kite Festival is an annual world-class event that draws thousands of tourists and participants from around the globe. In 2026, the festival will take place from April 20 to April 25, featuring competitions, workshops, and spectacular kite shows. Located in Shandong Province, Weifang is known as the world capital of kites due to its long-standing kite-making tradition. Local craftsmanship combined with modern techniques makes the festival a unique cultural experience. Teams from more than 60 countries participate, highlighting the international prestige of the event.

History and Significance of the Festival

The Weifang International Kite Festival has been held since 1984 and has become the largest event of its kind worldwide. The city is famous for its intricate paper and fabric kites, known for their bright colors and complex designs. Each year, more than 100,000 spectators and around 500 participants attend the festival from countries including the USA, UK, Japan, and Russia.

The festival not only showcases kite-flying artistry but also promotes cultural exchange, tourism, and local economic development. In 2024, the festival program included 56 events, featuring 257 teams and more than 1,200 individual participants.

Festival Program 2026

The Weifang International Kite Festival 2026 spans six days:

April 20 — Opening Ceremony
- Parade of teams, kite performances, and musical shows.
April 21–23 — Competitions and Workshops
- Kite flying and control contests.
- Workshops on making traditional Chinese and modern kites.
- Exhibitions of unique designer kites.
April 24 — International Competition Day
- Grand show with participation from over 60 countries.
April 25 — Closing Ceremony
- Awarding ceremony for winners.
- Mass launch of thousands of kites over the city.

The festival also features cultural programs, including exhibitions, lectures, photo zones, traditional crafts, and culinary workshops.

How to Get to Weifang

Weifang is located in eastern China and can be reached by:

Plane: Via Jinan International Airport, followed by a 1.5-hour train or bus ride.
Train: From major Chinese cities like Beijing, Shanghai, and Qingdao.
Bus: From neighboring provinces and cities.

Booking tickets in advance is recommended as the festival attracts large crowds.

Interesting Facts About the Festival

Weifang produces over 2 million kites annually, many of which are used in the festival.
In 2024, a record-breaking launch featured over 10,000 kites flying simultaneously.
Local kite makers create kites up to 30 meters long capable of performing complex aerial tricks.
The festival ranks among the top 5 largest kite events in the world.