Hu Jinwei, a kite maker in Ningbo, teaches local children how to craft kites. [Photo/Ningbo Daily]

As part of celebrations marking the milestone anniversaries of China-Bulgaria diplomatic relations and Ningbo-Varna sister city ties, a cultural exchange event in Ningbo, Zhejiang province, has sparked new connections between the two nations.

On Aug 11, Hu Jinwei, a kite maker in Ningbo, led a workshop where local children learned the intricate art of designing, crafting, and decorating kites and wind chimes. These creations will be taken to children in Bulgaria this month.

With over three decades of experience in kite-making, Hu has revolutionized the art form by incorporating modern technologies such as AI-assisted design and inkjet printing into his traditional techniques. His innovative approach has garnered widespread acclaim and admiration.

This month, Hu and his team will embark on a journey to Varna, Bulgaria, to participate in the local kite festival. They plan to set up kite workshops at the local cultural center and schools, establishing a base for the transmission and learning of traditional kite-making skills.

During the festival, the team will hold a series of kite performances and courses for Bulgarian youth, fostering deeper exchanges in the realm of kite artistry. Among the highlights is a spectacular long-string kite, stretching over 300 meters in length and uniquely designed to feature 16 vibrant cartoon characters representing various aspects of Ningbo's rich culture.

Furthermore, the team has prepared a range of kite-themed souvenirs, including creative wind chime ornaments, long-string kites, exquisite kite gift boxes, and kite badges, all imbued with Chinese characteristics. These gifts will be donated to people in Bulgaria.

"We will teach Bulgarian children to make kites alongside us, blending Ningbo's unique kite designs with local ones to create a joint long-string kite, symbolizing the enduring friendship between our two nations," said Hu.