On April 20, a beach in France was filled by people and kites flying in the sky from 25 countries and regions.

The 37th International Kite Festival in Berck-sur-Mer opened and China made a wonderful appearance as the first-ever guest country of honor at the event.

Chinese-inflected cultural activities took place at the festival, including a gigantic dragon-headed centipede kite-flying performance at the opening ceremony, workshops for kite-making techniques by artisans from Weifang, as well as performances and experiential activities from lion dances, to martial arts and performances of traditional Chinese instruments and tea ceremonies.

Yan Zhenquan, minister counselor of the Chinese Embassy in France, Jacques Billant, governor of Pas-de-Calais, and Liu Hongge, director of the China Cultural Center in Paris attended and delivered speeches.

Liu says the kite is a key image representing the friendship between China and France. In 1958, the two countries produced a film titled Fengzheng (The Kite), the first color children's film made by the People's Republic of China, and the first coproduced with another country. The film tells of the adventures and friendship between Chinese and French children created by a kite.

"As the organizer of guest country activities, the China Cultural Center in Paris continues to leverage the image of kites, using them as a medium to tell stories about kite culture in China and France, foster mutual understanding between peoples, and contribute to the success of the China-France Year of Culture and Tourism," Liu says.

The International Kite Festival in Berck-sur-Mer is the largest and most influential kite-themed event in France. Visitors can not only observe a wide variety of kites, from either traditional or modern styles, but also enjoy both small and giant kites alike, they also have the chance to take part in kite-making workshops, art performances and experiential activities.