Journalists begin tour of Weifang

Journalists conduct an interview in Weifang, Shandong province, July 2, 2015. [Photo by Ju Chuanjiang/chinadaily.com.cn]

Photographers and journalists from 13 overseas media organizations are on a four-day tour of Weifang, Shandong province that started Thursday.

The tour, sponsored by China Daily and Weifang government's publicity department, aims to enhance mutual exchanges between Weifang and the world. It also seeks to spread Weifang's popularity on the world stage by presenting the city's technological, cultural, tourism and environmental development.

Wang Xianling, deputy secretary of the CPC Weifang committee, said the tour serves as a platform to conduct mutual communication and tell the world the story of Weifang people.

The photographers and journalists got a good look at Weifang's efforts and achievements in developing the kite industry and the city's high-tech industries.

Weifang is well-known around the world as the "home of kites". The city held its first international kite festival in 1984, which attracted an ardent gathering of international hobbyists.

After 30 years' development, the city has cultivated a complete kite industrial chain, including design, production and marketing.

Kites made in Weifang are sold to the USA and European countries, as well as Chinese cities like Wenzhou and Yiwu in Zhejiang province and Guangzhou in Guangdong province.

"Sales of my kite factory keep increasing in recent years as people like spending more time on outdoor activities," said Sun Yuemei, who runs the Dashan Kite Factory in the Wangjia Zhuangzi community. The 39-year-old predicts her sales will reach two million yuan this year.

Wangjia Zhuangzi community has 87 kite production enterprises that employ more than 2,000 kite makers. These enterprises produce 80 million kites every year.

Bae Insun from AJU News based in South Korea said she was very impressed by kite production in Weifang.

"It is a great fortune obtained from traditional culture," Insun said.

At the high-tech development zone, photographers and journalists got to learn about 3D printing technological innovation, advanced engines produced by Weichai Holding Group and the animation development.

Weifang High-tech Industrial Development Zone ranks 25th among Chinese high-tech zones in terms of comprehensive strength.

During the next three days, the photographers and journalists will visit ancient towns, scenic spots and the dinosaur geopark.