Source: CCTV.com

01-06-2009 10:08

Once the past time of Chinese Emperors, kite flying is today a popular hobby for many enthusiasts in Beijing. But with mass produced plastic kites becoming more popular than traditional handmade ones, the ancient and barely changed art of kite making is under threat of being lost.

In Three Stones Kite store, four generations of kite makers  have made kites for more than a hundred years.

It's a common sight across Beijing's parks and open spaces.

Groups of men gathering and discussing the merits of their multi-colored kites.

Traditionally the kites are made from bamboo and silk. These days however, most kites are plastic ones mass-produced in factories.

Traditionally the kites are made from bamboo and silk. These  days however, most kites are plastic ones mass-produced in  factories.

Only a handful of people in Beijing now continue to practice the old craft of kite making.

One such shop is the Three Stones Kite store, where four generations of kite makers have made kites for more than a hundred years.

Liu Bin, owner of Three Stones Kite Shop, said, "My family has been making kites for more than 100 years. My great grandfather started making kites first. He used to make kites for the emperor and royal family. Since then, kites made by our family have been called the royal palace kites."

Inside Liu Bin's small store, kites of all shapes and sizes are displayed on the walls. From small crab-shaped kites to large eagles and dragons, all are intricately designed.