Weifang, known as the birthplace of the kite and a hub of crafts and creativity, has a rich history dating back 2,400 years. By the 5th and 6th centuries, it emerged as a center for Buddha statue making, and since the 18th century, it has been recognized as a crafts capital in northern China. The city is famous for various art forms, including kites, Chinese New Year paintings, papercutting, peach pit carving, and silver inlaid painting. Embracing both tradition and innovation, Weifang has hosted 38 International Kite Festivals, fostering cultural and economic exchanges with over 110 countries.
With over 1,800 craft workshops employing around 100,000 people, including 40,000 women, the city’s cultural industries generated USD 3.56 billion in GDP in 2020. As a Creative City of Crafts and Folk Art, Weifang aims to promote research in crafts, create jobs, nurture emerging cultural industries, and enhance international collaboration.