纸鸢工作坊
Kite Making Workshop
- Date: August 17th, Sunday
- Time: 10am-4pm
- Location: Harvard University
This August, join us in Boston as we step into the enchanting world of kites! Our upcoming cultural workshop will spotlight the traditional Chinese craft of kite-making (Zhiyuan), a celebration of intangible cultural heritage.
Participants will explore the origins and evolution of Chinese kites, and gain an appreciation for the intricate imagery of gongbi painting and the aesthetics of classical Chinese design. During the hands-on session, you will experience the full creative process—from sketching and cutting to final assembly—witnessing the magical transformation from a sheet of paper to a soaring creation.
We warmly welcome families and students who are passionate about traditional culture to take part, and discover the beauty of the East while reawakening the joy and inspiration of handmade art.
Learn about the process of Kite Making
🪁 Event Recap
Our community came together for a heartwarming Kite-Making Cultural Workshop that brought smiles, creativity, and cultural connections to participants of all ages. From young children as young as four to adults, the room was filled with positive energy and excitement. Many attendees shared that kites had been a part of their childhood, and they were delighted to finally experience making one by hand. Others, including students and engineers, found joy in exploring the aerodynamics behind kites and seeing how simple elements like bamboo sticks and string could create flight.
✨ Learning the History & Materials
We began the workshop with a journey into the history of Chinese kites—how they originated, evolved, and carried cultural meaning over the centuries. Participants learned about the essential materials needed to draft and build a kite: bamboo for the frame, string for structure, and 宣纸 (Xuan Paper) for the canvas.
🪢 Hands-On Techniques
Next, everyone practiced how to tie the 十字结 (cross knot), a fundamental technique to stabilize two bamboo sticks vertically and form the kite’s backbone. This hands-on skill was both fun and rewarding—many participants were surprised by how such a small knot holds the entire kite together!
🎨 Patterns and Symbolism
Before diving into design, we explored the symbolism of traditional patterns. For example, lotuses represent purity, while fish symbolize abundance. Inspired by these motifs, participants traced the kite shapes onto 宣纸 (Xuan Paper) and began creating their own designs.
Seeing everyone choose their colors, draw their patterns, and add personal touches was truly moving—every brushstroke became a unique expression of identity and creativity.
🪁 From Paper to Flight
Once the artwork was complete, we glued the 宣纸 (Xuan Paper) onto the bamboo frame and tied the strings that would later send the kites into the sky. The moment of transformation—from flat paper to a ready-to-fly kite—was magical.
☀️ Flying Together
Then came the most exciting part: flying! At first, one group launched their kite with cheers of “Look! Mine is flying!!” Soon, every group was outside, sending their creations into the air. The sky filled with color, laughter, and teamwork—an unforgettable picture of harmony and joy.
Seeing the joy on everyone’s faces reminded us why we host these workshops. Beyond learning skills, this was about community, creativity, and connection. Thank you to every participant for bringing your energy and spirit—together, we created not just kites, but memories.
Let’s continue to let culture unite us and carry our dreams higher.
International and Intercultural Education Institute 