More than 1,500 kites were flying high in the sky at the International Kite Festival in Weifang, Shandong province, on Sunday — with more than 500 kite enthusiasts and 118 teams from across the country.

Initiated in 1984, the annual event has become known around the world. Because of the pandemic, overseas teams showed off their kites via video channels at the opening ceremony.

"This year we created a 172-meter-long kite in the shape of Chinese traditional dragon. It consists of two parts: the 100-meter part, carrying our wishes of celebrating the 100th anniversary of the founding of the Communist Party of China, and the 72-meter part, celebrating the founding of new China," kite enthusiast Wang Yongxun said.

This year's festival will run until May 5.

Video by Zhao Ruixue and Wang Yingzi.