Banyao Kite Is Known as "Yaozi" in Nantong

Banyao kite is known as "Yaozi" in Nantong. It is featured by elegant shape, exquisite craftsmanship and unique acoustic effect.

 

Since kite is very popular in China and there are many famous kite production places such as Beijing, Tianjin and Weifang, why can only the Nantong people make singing kites? The reason is that Banyao kite is fitted with a whistle, which makes the volume larger than that of common ones (the largest Banyao kite is 2m in length and 5kg in weight). Such kite can fly in the sky only when it blows fresh breeze or stronger wind. Nantong is a suitable place for flying Banyao kite (especially in spring), since it is located close to the sea where the wind is extremely strong.

In previous years, every family in the countryside would fly kites in slack farming season. Yaozi would be worshiped in front of the main hall with candles and paper horses, symbolizing the housekeeper's praying for a good harvest in the year. In the wonderful music uttered from the whistle, the banyao kite would fly up to the blue sky, carrying people's beautiful dreams. Crowds of people would run on the ground, with their laughter echoing in the sky.