Origin

Shimen is located at the northern tip of Taiwan and is named for its rare Shimen caves eroded by the sea.  Its unique geographical landscape with mountains at its back and the ocean at the front has constructed a rocky wonder.  The strong northeast monsoon in Shimen makes it a perfect location for flying kites.  The local saying “On September 9th, kites are flying all over the sky” indicates Shimen’s experience with kites.  The first “Hometown of kites- Shimen Township” held in 1999 has successfully put Shimen kites on the map.  Later, this activity expanded to include participation and exchange of experiences among excellent domestic/international kite flyers.  The international kite festival has successfully attracted many kite flyers as well as tourists.  The charms of Shimen are flying up to the sky like those kites and have become known to the world.  For this year’s festival, in addition to having shows combining kites with local performing groups, kite-flying teams promoting kite flying on campuses have been arranged in order for international kite flyers to exchange experiences with local students to further enhance students’ sense of mission to spread the culture of Shimen kites.  The festival aims to construct a cultural festival that combines kite craftsmanship and techniques while displaying the characteristics of Taiwan local cultural industries.  It is also the first festival that has kite flying masters all over Taiwan working together to design a totem related to Taiwan as the themed kite of this year’s festival.  By doing so, it can not only deeply root the local kite culture but also market Shimen kites and its tourist attractions to the world.

Activity

Kite Flying Shows:  Kites are of many types, including traditional kites, kites for stunts, creative kites etc.  There are hundred types of kites. Indoor kite performance is also nurtured in Shimen.  In recent years, new forms of kites such as candy kites, photograph kites, surfing kites, giant kites as well as air-bag kites are coming out.  The local government hopes to display various themed kites in many different ways in different locations. 

Kite Exhibitions: In order to enrich the stationary exhibition, a kite craftsmanship exhibition in the lobby of the White Beach Tourist Center is to be held on rainy days.

The Kite Competition: The Hexagonal Kite competition was the traditional folklore competition back in ancient times.  This year’s kite competition will involve domestic and international kite flying groups, attracting a lot of people’s attention. 

Kite DIY Activity:  The activity allows people to make kites themselves and learn from professional kite makers at close range to add more in-depth fun to the trip.  The Kite DIY activity will be held in the basement of the White Beach Tourist Center.

Performances: Performances by Shimen art groups are held at the plaza in front of the White Beach Tourist Center for displaying the artistic and cultural energy of Shimen.

Kite experiences exchange on campus: Foreign kite flyers are invited to demonstrate kite flying and participate in hands-on activities held on Shimen campuses.  School kite teams will be performing as well to achieve the goal of learning from each other.

Agricultural Fair: The sticky rice, houseleek jelly and sea food at Fujin Fishing Harbor are just mouth-watering.  An agricultural fair with local agricultural products and delicacies is held so that the public may experience an art festival that satisfied all five of their senses.