Introduction
Surrounded by the hills and waters, Shimen Township has been known for its kite activities in September. A lot of efforts have been put into this year's Shimen International Kite Festival, including personnel training and promotion of culture, all in the wish of promoting the culture of kite-flying.
Contents of Activities:
1. Stunts by International Performers and Traditional Kite Performances
Besides the common "one-line" kite performances, international stunt teams of kite-flying will also give amazing performances, making this event too exciting to be missed!
2. Educational and Artistic Events Regarding Kites
Students in Shimen Township are invited to participate in the competition of essays and kite-making, and the works that best depict the "homeland" of kites will be awarded.
3. Market of Innovative Kites
On the day of the event the "Market of Innovative Kites" will be held in the Kite Park near the Laomei Beach. In this first kite-park in Taiwan, traditional, innovative, and even environmentally-friendly kites will be exhibited.
4. Kite Painting
The DIY kite-painting kits are given to the public who participate in the One-day Shimen Tour, the promotional campaign, and the opening ceremony.
5. Workshop of DIY Kites and Windmills
The "Workshop of DIY Kites and Windmills" that teaches the public how to make kites, windmills, and wind chimes will be
participated by volunteers, students, and teachers for the purpose of promoting the kite culture.
6. Kite Collections
A kite collection, complemented by media coverage, will be held in which all sorts of kites including indoor and traditional kites are exhibited.
7. Sales of Shimen Township's Agricultural Specialties
Besides the rich selection of seafood in Fuji Fishermen's Wharf, Shimen Township is also known for its delicacies such as sticky rice and agar-gelatin. The "Sales of Shimen Township's Agricultural Specialties" will also be held to complement the event with
delicacies and fun cultural festivities.
Purposes of the Event
This year's Shimen International Kite Festival not only invites the locals, visitors, and the media but also kite-enthusiasts from
around the world. Completed with the local art, culture, and industries, this event will bring new experiences to the visitors by giving the traditional activity of kite-flying a new make-over.
Attractions
Shimen Sea-eroded Cave
The early settlers started cultivating this area since the Qing Dynasty and named this place "Shimen" ("the stone gate") after the sea-eroded cave found near the shore, and this name continues to be used after Taiwan's Restoration. The sea-eroded arch is caused by ages of wave erosion and weathering. This unique landscape shaped by eons of geological activities stands by the
coastal highway like a magnificent stone arch. This place is not only great for sight-seeing but also learning about geology.
Laomei Kite Park
Located in Laomei, the Shimen Kite Park was established to complement the annual Shimen Kite Festival, and its facilities were designed to provide kite enthusiasts, families, and couples with a great place to enjoy this activity. Laomei, located on the southeast side of Fugui Cape, is a typical northern Taiwanese fishing village. Blanket Flowers blossom on the sand dunes around Fugui Cape
and Laomei from May to August. They are great for checking winds and controlling sand since they resist wind, moisture, and harsh environments. During the blossom season, they form a magnificent sea of flowers that are beautiful in their own right.
Agar Gelatin
This sub-species of red alga is found on sea rocks in Shimen Township and is only edible when its color turns white after repeated rinsing. The local recipe is to cook it into a jelly-like substance and serve with syrup or lemon juice. Despite the time-consuming process, the jelly with fruit toppings is a great appetizer and even known for cosmetic contributions.
