The kite, a Chinese invention, is regarded as the forerunner of the modern aero-plane. On Sunday in central China's Hunan Province, a kite festival opens with thousands of originally designed kites on display or for sale.

The kite festival opens at Juzhou Park in Changsha, the provincial capital of Hunan. Most of the thousands of hand-painted kites follow traditional Chinese styles. Some are based on centuries-old legendary figures from mythology and folk religion, while others stick to more conventional designs, like birds and insects.

The size of some of the kites on display is impressive. The huge eagle at the park entrance measures ten meters across. But these Peking Opera figures are no bigger than your palm, and five can fit into one box.

Besides the exhibition and sales of kites, enthusiasts can test their flying skills in a kite-flying competition during the event.

(CCTV.com April 13, 2004)