Kite flyers pose for a group photo during Jilin city's traditional folk activity held to celebrate the Double Third Festival on April 14.

A traditional kite flying event was held to celebrate the ancient Chinese festival of Shangsi Festival, also known as the Double Third Festival, which is celebrated on the third day of the third lunar month, which this year fell on April 14.

It was the 15th Kite-flying Festival held in Jilin city, Jilin province, Northeast China, and it attracted 150 participants. Of these, the oldest was 88 years old and the youngest was 16. Three winners stood out on the day. The annual event has been well received among local people since it was initiated.

Variously shaped kites came under the spotlight on the day. Seven types of kites, including featured large kites, hard-wing kites, soft-wing kites, plate-like kites, string-like kites and stunt kites, soared in the sky, taking the festival atmosphere to new heights.

The Shangsi Festival is also a day considered to be the possible birthday of the Yellow Emperor. A well-known phrase goes, "San yue san, Xuan Yuan sheng", meaning, "On the third day of the third month, the Xuan Yuan (Yellow Emperor) was born".

The Jilin City Kite-flying Festival, hosted by Jilin City Sports Bureau and Jilin City Sports Federation, was designed to promote the time-honored kite culture in the region — especially how to make and fly a kite. The festival provides an interesting experience platform to better carry forward this fine traditional Chinese custom.