The History of Weifang

Weifang is a modern city with many traditions. The city has about a million inhabitants, and is situated in Shandong, the most easterly province of China. WeiFang is known from anciant times, and has a rich history and culture of more than 1000 years. Kites from WeiFang are amongst the best ones in China.During the Spring-and-Autumn-Period and the period of the Warrying-Empires (475-221 v.u.Z), some 2300 years ago, the first kite had been developed in the province of Shandong. The long literary tradition of China enables us to find more detailed information. Regarding to the book of Han Fei Zi, the master of joinery Mu Zi had been contructing within three years time of developement a man-lifting kite, known as the Wooden-Black-Eard-Kite. The book of Hong Shu tells us, that some time later the master of joinery named Lu Ban, had been building another Wooden-Black-Eard-Kite, that had been used as reconaissance device above the ancient city of SongCheng. Both masters originate from the ancient state of Lu, today named Qufu. Qufu is known as the birthplace of Confucius (551-479 b.c.). The city of Qufu has historic grounds of outstanding historical interest, especially the imperial palace of the Confucius family, the grove and parque with the grave of Confucius, and the extent living quarters of the dukes of the Confucius descendants.