Weifang Attractions
Weifang lies in the east of Shandong province, on the railroad line from Jinan to Qingdao.
During the time of the Three Kingdoms (220-280) Weifang was a major military base. Over the centuries it became less important from a military point of view and more of a cultural center. For example, Zheng Banqiao, one of the most famous 18th C Chinese painters, was born here. In more recent years, however, the town has become known all over the world for the manufacture of kites; this has led to Weifang being given the nickname ''World Kite Capital''. The International Kite Society has its headquarters here and has organized a large kite festival every year since 1984.
During the time of the Three Kingdoms (220-280) Weifang was a major military base. Over the centuries it became less important from a military point of view and more of a cultural center. For example, Zheng Banqiao, one of the most famous 18th C Chinese painters, was born here. In more recent years, however, the town has become known all over the world for the manufacture of kites; this has led to Weifang being given the nickname ''World Kite Capital''. The International Kite Society has its headquarters here and has organized a large kite festival every year since 1984.
Shihu Yuan Garden
A large number of buildings in miniature (something frequently found in China, where building land is often at a premium) occupy a small green space measuring only 200sq.m/235sq.yd in the town center. Laid out in the 18th C, the gardens were originally privately owned by a mandarin, and were opened up to the public only quite recently.
Here visitors can find a small museum with works by the painter and calligrapher Zheng Banqiao, who also held the office of prefect of Weifang for a number of years.
Here visitors can find a small museum with works by the painter and calligrapher Zheng Banqiao, who also held the office of prefect of Weifang for a number of years.
Kite Museum
The Kite Museum (Fengzheng Bowuguan), 13,000sq.m/140,000sq.ft in total area, lies a few yards from the town center on the banks of the Bailang river. One large main hall and ten smaller rooms house an exhibition of kites of every conceivable size and shape from many countries, including traditional folk-lore designs as well as some shaped like animals. Visitors can also watch kites being made.
