For three generations the Liu family has created exquisite, handmade kites, and a visit to their shop just north of Beihai Park will make you feel like a child again. Owner Liu Bin learned the traditional Chinese art from his grandfather over 20 years before opening shop in 2003.

Amazing birds, butterflies, long-tailed fish and dozens of other lucky Chinese creatures hand-painted on to sturdy bamboo frames fill the tiny store, and proprietor Liu Bing, his son and nonagenarian father (who made kites for the Imperial family) will custom-make one for you if you desire something that flies a little higher.

Shaped as everything from swallows to dragons, these gorgeous paper kites start from 100-200 RMB, while the topof- the-line ones cost over 10, 000 RMB.

On request, Liu can whip up custom designs and the shop occasionally offers kite-making courses. Even if you’re not taking them to the park for a day out, these kites make beautiful, decorative gifts.

Address: 25 Di’anmen Xidajie Xicheng District 北京市西城区地安门西大街甲25号

Source: timeoutbeijing.com