Chinese kites adorns New Zealand's kite festival

Hundreds of colourful kites were flying Saturday in the skies of Wellington's Otaki Beach.

WELLINGTON,

Hundreds of colourful kites were flying Saturday in the skies of Wellington's Otaki Beach.
A Chinese-dragon-shaped kite stole the show at the 9th Otaki Kite Festival, held on February 6 and 7. As well as the 'Loong' (Chinese dragon), Chinese kites in the shape of giant pandas and Peking Opera masks soared high in the sky harmoniously with kites in the form of different ocean creatures.

These kites were made by local designers under the initiative of the China Cultural Centre in Wellington, which attended this festival for the third year running and has attracted significant attention and affection from viewers. Guo Zongguang, director of the China Cultural Center in Wellington, saw the performances as an opportunity to strengthen ties between both countries, promote the people-to-people and cultural exchanges, and to forge the "Happy Chinese New Year" cultural brand.

There were inevitably less overseas participants this year due to COVID-19. Professionals and enthusiasts from across New Zealand steered the kites over the beach and ocean. Characteristic kites crafted by kiwi artists, featuring in Maori and marine culture still made it an iconic event.

ALSO READ

New Zealand Holds Events To Celebrate Waitangi Day

Canada Blocks Cruise Ships For A Year, Ending Alaska Trips

With Carnival Scrapped, Rio’s Sambadrome Hosts Vaccinations

Preparations Afoot To Celebrate Lunar New Year In Bangladesh

Travelers To Sweden Required To Present Negative COVID-19 Test From Feb. 6

Cyprus To Tighten Measures For In-Bound Travelers