Rick Mundt's China

Chapter 82 Kites Kites were invented in China during the 5 th century BC. Ancient and medieval Chinese sources describe kites being used for measuring distances, testing the wind, lifting men, signaling and communications for military operations. Kites were decorated with mythological motifs and legendary figures. Some were fitted with strings and whistles to make musical sounds while flying.   I would see kites flying mostly in the spring when I would go to the parks in Luoyang. Now and then I would see people flying kites at other times also. The kites were beautiful and colorful. Different kinds and designs. They would be in the shape of birds, dragons, owls, all kinds. Some were so high in the air that you could barely see them. It was not only children flying them, there were also a lot of elderly men flying kites.  These first pictures are kites that are for sale. I do not know what they cost. Some of the people would use a big reel with string on it and the kites would go very