Kite Flying

Flying in China at least 2,000 years before they were seen in Europe, the humble kite has been used as a communication link in battlefields, a device to frighten enemy troops, and even in the sport of kite fighting. But most locals fly kites peacefully, particularly at Tian'an Men Square (where you can rent kites) or in parks such as Ri Tan Gongyuan. You can purchase kites at several markets; good selections are available at Guanyuan Shichang and on the fourth floor of Yaxiu Fuzhuang Shichang.