Weifang kite and New Year Paintings take center stage in San Francisco showcase

Tuesday, March 19, 2024

A recent report from the Shandong Office of the Hong Kong Business Daily highlights the success of the cultural and tourism promotion event “Beauty and Co hospitality in Shandong” held in San Francisco, California, USA. Nearly 200 guests attended, witnessing the participation of seven intangible cultural heritage projects from Shandong Province. Among the highlights were exhibitions by Guo Hongli and Yang Naidong, inheritors of intangible cultural heritage from Hanting District, Weifang City. Guo showcased intricate kite tying while Yang demonstrated woodblock New Year painting production. Their skillful craftsmanship captivated the audience, garnering praise for their exquisite creations.

Guo Hongli, a renowned kite maker from Hanting District, Weifang, boasts over 30 years of experience in his craft. Recognized as a representative inheritor of the national intangible cultural heritage project Weifang Kite at the provincial level, he has showcased his artistry in various international exhibitions and performances, earning numerous accolades both domestically and abroad.

Yang Naidong, hailing from the Yangjiabu Tourism Development Zone in Hanting District, comes from a lineage of New Year painting artists. With over 50 years of experience, he is celebrated as a versatile folk artist, particularly renowned for his Year of the Loong Money Tree New Year picture, which has gained popularity and led to collaborations with prominent brands.

Guo Hongli shared with reporters the success of the province’s seven intangible cultural heritage projects in hosting a series of cultural exchange activities over three days at various locations including the Chinese Consulate General in San Francisco and Chinatown. These activities included live demonstrations, exhibits, and interactive explanations, drawing crowds and fostering a vibrant atmosphere. Weifang kites and Yangjiabu woodblock New Year paintings received high praise from the locals, showcasing the distinctive allure of Weifang’s folk art scene and bolstering the global reputation of the “kite capital” of the world.

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