In April 2023, 622 kite artists from 59 countries and regions participated in the Weifang International Kite Festival. Compared with previous festivals, the 2023 event was highlighted by many innovations by both veteran and young kite makers.

The origin of kites can be traced back to the Warring States Period when the great Chinese philosopher Mozi made the first "wooden kite". In 2006, the Weifang kite making technique was inscribed in the first batch of items on China's national intangible cultural heritage list.