Who doesn’t love flying a kite? Taking a kite to the park is a traditional family activity in most cultures, but China has always been way ahead of the curve. Marco Polo purportedly saw the first kites in Weifang, Shandong Province, in the 13th century (although admittedly history has suggested that Polo often played fast and loose with the truth), but kite flying didn’t really take off in Europe until the 1700s. And with the Beijing Kite Festival bringing a much-needed dash of colour to Beijing’s grey skies this month, there’s no better chance to learn about this traditional pastime.

Although theories vary, the invention of the kite is typically attributed to Mozi, a prominent Chinese philosopher during the Warring States Period (481-221 BC). According to the legend, Mozi laboured for three years on the prototype, making it out of wood, as paper had yet to be invented. The kite supposedly flew for one to three days (again, depending on the legend) before crashing to the ground, and so the world’s first flying machine was born.

For the following millennium, kites were mostly used as signals to communicate between nearby communities or, in the military, between battalions. It wasn’t until the Tang Dynasty (618-907 AD) that these primitive flying machines transcended their functional origins and became an instrument of leisure. A time of political stability and economic growth, the Tang was something of a Renaissance period in Chinese history; a time when culture and art thrived, and the humble kite drew the attention of gifted artisans.

As bamboo, silk and paper became the tools of the trade, the race was on to create ever more elaborate and intricate designs. As with Chinese lanterns and umbrellas, an object initially designed for function had become a focal point of artistic expression.

Beijing’s kite culture is still thriving; go to any park on a weekend afternoon to witness its indelible popularity. The Beijing Kite Flying Association (BKFA) regularly runs lectures, workshops and competitions throughout the year for those addicted to getting high. Ma Aiqun, general secretary of the association, believes its popularity will never wane, as kites will forever be ‘a great excuse to get outdoors’.