A delegation of intangible cultural heritage (ICH) kite artisans from Zhangjiagang, Suzhou, East China's Jiangsu province recently traveled over 4,000 kilometers to participate in the inaugural kite festival in Gongliu County, Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region. This cross-regional cultural dialogue brought together the delicate charm of Jiangnan kites and the vibrant atmosphere of China's western frontier, creating a spectacular display of ethnic unity and cultural fusion in the skies.
At the heart of the event was a specially designed 1.5-meter-wide themed kite, meticulously crafted by Zhangjiagang kite master Ni Henian. The left side of the kite depicted scenic landscapes of Gongliu county, while the right showcased iconic views of Zhangjiagang. Tethered by a single kite string, the design symbolized a shared cultural heartbeat, building a bridge of friendship between the two regions.
The kite designed by Zhangjiagang kite master Ni Henian symbolizes the friendship between Zhangjiagang and Gongliu. [Photo/WeChat account: zjgwtgl]
Zhangjiagang also donated copies of the Leyu ICH Kite Textbook to the host county. The publication provides a comprehensive overview of traditional Shazhou kite-making techniques, including frame design and handcraft methods, preserving essential knowledge of the craft.
Going forward, Zhangjiagang plans to use this exchange as a springboard for deepening its "ICH+" cross-regional cooperation model. Future initiatives will focus on collaborative intangible heritage preservation, joint cultural tourism projects, and shared innovation practices—further enhancing the visibility and vitality of Zhangjiagang's ICH brand through resource sharing and complementary strengths.