crafts, maker's corner, outdoor fun

“Let’s go fly a kite, Up to the highest height!”... with just two lines and a melody as uplifting as the gusts of wind on a Beijing summer day, this song from the classic film Mary Poppins transports us to the carefree world of our childhood. Making and flying a kite is such a simple joy, and a great activity to do in many of Beijing’s beautiful public parks. Best of all, you don’t need any fancy materials: twigs from the ground and old newspapers are more than adequate. Even very young children can join in the fun, helping to fold the paper and decorating the tail with streamers.

We met up with Shaun (7) and his Daystar Academy Sanlitun Campus art teacher Vivan Gao at Chaoyang Park to learn how to make our very own kite.

Let’s get started!

What You’ll Need

Recycled wrapping paper, light cardstock, or old newspapers
Light bamboo sticks, or twigs
Cotton thread
Scissors
Sticky tape

How to make it

Step 1:
Spread out the paper or card on the floor, and fold it into a diamond shape, then use the scissors to cut away the excess paper. Save it to use later.

Step 2:
Place the bamboo sticks or twigs on the diamond, creating a cross. Trim them to the right length.

Step 3:
Tie a knot at the intersection of the two sticks, winding the cotton thread around and around both ways to secure it.

Step 4:
Lay the cross on the paper, and tape the ends of the sticks to the corners.

Step 5:
Tie three separate cotton threads to the kite frame: one on either side of the shorter stick, about halfway, and one halfway between the intersection and the bottom of the kite, on the long stick.