Tongxiang Kite Making Skills Tongxiang kite making is quite particular. Split bamboo into strips, each about 0.3 cm thick, polish, and cut into different lengths according to the shape of the kite. Tie the strips with cotton yarn, heat the bent parts with a lamp, slowly bend them, and tie them into shape. Animal heads are tied with strips, and some parts are made of a small amount of foam plastic. Eagle kites are tied in several parts, and finally inserted together after making them. Dragon kites are connected with lines. Paste cotton paper (simulated silk for large kites) on both sides on the bamboo strips, and then use Chinese painting pigments to paint the kites as required. The production of large kites is more complicated. For example, the production of dragon kites must pay attention to the overall shape. Use thicker bamboo strips to tie the outline of the dragon head. The dragon horns and dragon whiskers are made of plastic foam and inserted on the dragon head. The dragon balls are replaced by light balls such as ping-pong balls. The dragon body is separated into pieces and then connected in series with lines. The more pieces, the longer the dragon body. Luo Jianmin, a native of Wuzhen, has loved handicrafts since he was a child, and is particularly good at making kites, lanterns, animals, etc. The dragon kite he made is more than 60 meters long and 2 meters wide, with a dragon head and dragon whiskers shaking, and dragon balls spinning. The overall shape is realistic and lifelike. It is magnificent when released into the sky, which is a unique sight. The eagle kite and butterfly kite he made can be flown or hung as interior decorations. They have high artistic appreciation and are very popular among kite enthusiasts. Tongxiang kite making skills have been included in the third batch of Jiaxing City's intangible cultural heritage list. Information source: Jiaxing Library Information source: Jiaxing Library