[video/Nantong Daily]

Banyao kites are large and flat whistling kites with hexagonal frames adorned with exquisite decorations and vibrant colors.

The Nantong banyao kite, a typical flat kite in South China, is different from its North Chinese counterpart in that it makes a melodious sound when high up in the sky. In 2006, banyao kite-making techniques in Nantong were listed as a national intangible cultural heritage item.

There is a legend in the city that Zhang Liang and Han Xin, two renowned generals in early Western Han Dynasty (206 BC-AD 24), made a huge kite out of iron, which was large enough to carry people. Nantong natives thus honor them as the creators of banyao kites.

Yao Chunhua, vice-chairman of the Nantong Kite Association and inheritor of Nantong banyao kite-making techniques, said that in old times, there were not many recreational activities, and in early spring, a slack farming season, farmers would fly kites for fun.

Yao added that there was a banyao kite hanging on the wall of each household in Nantong to keep their houses safe.

"There are a large number of banyao kite lovers both at home and abroad. Some buy the kite for physical exercise and some as a piece of art," noted Yao.

Yao's studio is capable of manufacturing more than 10,000 whistles for banyao kites, which are exported to France, Germany and Southeast Asian countries.

The kite can mainly be found in the various townships of Nantong, such as Zhadong town and Zhaxi town in Gangzha district.