Nantong banyao kite. [Photo/Nantong Daily]

The Nantong Kite Museum is actively exploring new teaching methods and development strategies to attract a younger generation to the art of Nantong banyao kites.

Renowned for their melodious sound produced by numerous whistles high in the sky, Nantong banyao kites have long been celebrated. However, interest among the younger generation has diminished due to various factors, creating a gap in the tradition's continuation.

A year ago, through the collaborative creativity, design, and production efforts of several institutions, the virtual spokesperson for the banyao kites, "Feifei", made a dazzling debut. This marked a pioneering attempt to integrate AI with intangible cultural heritage.

Drawing on traditional Chinese aesthetics, Feifei employs AI to vividly present the history, craftsmanship and cultural significance of Nantong banyao kites. This innovative approach makes it easier for young people to engage with and appreciate this intangible cultural heritage. According to Xu Junhua, director of the Nantong Kite Museum, Feifei has attracted over 10,000 followers in the past year.

Nantong banyao kites. [Photo/Nantong Daily]

Crafting banyao kites involves multiple steps, including assembling, painting, gluing, and carving. The intricate skill of carving the whistle, which requires years of practice to master, is at risk due to the decline of traditional oral and hands-on teaching methods.

"We are using the banyao kite-making technique as a pilot project to collect data on the crafting process, whistle structure, classic patterns and color combinations, creating a dynamic database," Xu said. "At the same time, we use AI's big data processing capabilities to classify, archive and store historical records, crafting videos, and kite designs related to banyao kites."

By digitizing intangible cultural heritage, many physical parameters and cultural symbols of these crafts are transformed into reusable digital resources, enabling young inheritors to repeatedly practice foundational techniques without the constraints of space and time, he said. Notably, visitors to the museum can also print personalized mini kites.

Xu said that in terms of thematic creation, structural design, and visual effects, today's Nantong banyao kites exhibit distinct contemporary characteristics that resonate more with the younger generation.