As well as being an ancient folk art in China, kite making and flying was a principal form of recreation in traditional agricultural society. Even in modern times, as free China marches into the industrial and commercial age, exhibitions and competitions for colorful and graceful kites provide relief from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, and add a splash of color to the environment.

On October 7, the Republic of China's first international kite competition, sponsored by the Chuen Ching Foundation of Science, Culture and Education, provided some 250 participants from Taiwan, Japan, Malaysia and Korea with an opportunity to learn from each other in a spirit of friendly rivalry. Thousands of Taipei citizens turned out to watch the pageant. The Chuen Ching Foundation was established in Taipei two years ago by a group of people from educational, academic and business circles in Lotung of Ilan County. Chuen Ching means respecting one's parents, and the foundation was set up to promote filial piety through holding meaningful activities. On the morning of October 7, the bridge connecting Taipei and the suburb of Yungho was thronged with cars and pedestrians. The clear sky was already filled with kites flying in the gentle breeze as people converged on the Fou Ho Park. Cheers and gasps were heard from time to time as the kites climbed and fell.

The kites were judged in four categories: Large kites (over one meter tall); small kites; long kites; and group kites. Twelve judges evaluated each kite according to six criteria: Creativity, beauty, technique, achievement of altitude, appearance while flying, and individual flying technique.

As the "small kite" contest began, butterflies, plum flowers, supermen, spaceships, fish, fans, phoenix, white cranes, airplanes and rockets, in ancient and modern styles rose into the air. The winning entry was a 12-cornered spider-web kite, flown by Kuo Kuo-chien.

Many exquisite masterpieces of the art were shown in the large kite category. The winner was Hsieh Kun-sung from Taipei with his realistic representation of the ancient "36 Sparrows" theme in the form of five bat kites on one string. Wang Ming-kang won second place with his cicada kite with rolling eyes. The chairman of the Japanese Kite Makers' Association, Takeshi Nishibayashi, won first place in the "large kite" race. His three by six kite flew high above all its rivals, proudly displaying the flags of Japan and the Republic of China. Takeshi has made a new kite every day for the past 10 years. Accompanied by 30 of his creations, he came to Taiwan not only to compete in the kite contest, but also to teach children how to make their own simple but flyable kites.

The long kite competition was dominated by the centipede theme, although the champion was Kuo Wan's 110-section dragon. The contestants in the group kite category were mainly students of junior high and primary schools. Their cooperation, team spirit and energy were well displayed in the contest. Fathers helped their sons repair damaged kites, and everyone took part or watched as the kites soared up into the air. The spirit of family togetherness and happiness was thus enhanced.

The history of kite-flying in China stretches back more than two thousand years. There is an interesting story describing the origins of the sport. In about 205 B.C. when the two states, Chu and Han were struggling for hegemony, Han Hsin, a great Han general designed a huge kite to carry warriors above the Chu camp. By playing Chu music in the air, the men on the kite tried to arouse nostalgic feelings among the soldiers, so as to lower their morale. As a result, the Han army won the war.

Many other customs are associated with kite-flying, such as the "Height Climbing Festival" or "Kite Day," designated as the ninth day of the ninth month every year. During this festival, people would customarily send away their misfortunes and afflictions by cutting the kite-string.

Today, crowds of people can always be seen flying kites in such open areas as the Youth Park or the Square of the Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall. In keeping with this scientific age, many of the contesting kites are made from modern materials, such as nylon and plastic. But paper and cloth kites with bamboo frames are still popular. Recently, kite-making has been made a compulsory subject in middle and primary schools.

While kites in the Western world are usually geometrical in form, those in the orient are usually in the shape of animals. People in foreign countries such as the United States, Japan, Canada and Australia, are showing a preference for the Chinese style, and have placed large orders for kites made in Taiwan. The Republic of China's first international kite flying contest, therefore not only revived the Chinese people's interest in a 2,000-year-old tradition, but also promoted international cultural interflow.