TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Giant dinosaur kites soared over Baishawan Beach in New Taipei's Shimen District on Saturday (Sept. 19) as the North Coast International Kite Festival transformed the coastline into an aerial dinosaur park. Crowds watched international teams from seven countries fly massive dragon-shaped and cartoon-style reptile kites against the blue sky.
The festival, themed "Dragon Quest" (尋龍記), featured a dramatic opening ceremony in which a giant dragon egg "hatched" to symbolize the awakening of mythical creatures. A striking red dinosaur kite on the beach became one of the day's most photographed attractions.
The annual event, organized by the Shimen District Office (石門區公所) for more than 20 years, aims to boost tourism in the North Coast region. "The main goal is to attract more tourists to Shimen through events like this, to promote tourism and local agricultural products," District Chief Wu Chia-chao (吳家兆) said.
The kite performances were coordinated by the Asian International Kite Federation (亞洲國際風箏聯合會). Teams came from Italy, Brazil, Malaysia, Singapore, Japan, South Korea, Thailand, and Indonesia, along with 11 professional kite teams from Taiwan.
Weather posed an early challenge. Morning winds were too weak to lift the kites, and many remained grounded until around 3 p.m., when conditions improved and the colorful displays finally took flight.
Beyond the aerial displays, the festival offered free kite-painting workshops. Professional instructors also led hands-on kite-flying sessions in the afternoon.
A market featuring at least 25 stalls offered local agricultural products, snacks, souvenirs, and handmade crafts. Organizers also arranged 30-person eco-tours connecting the festival grounds with nearby Fuji Fishing Port (富基漁港) and Chuhuangkou Farm (出磺口農場).
The festival incorporated themes of sustainability, diversity, and gender equality into its programming. A "Wind Color Realm" (風之彩境) kinetic art installation was set up near the Baishawan Visitor Center.
The North Coast International Kite Festival has been held annually since 2000, taking advantage of the region's coastal landscape and favorable wind conditions. ◼