Ever wondered how the original inventors of the kite, the Chinese, actually make them? Did you know that kite flying could actually be an aggressive competitive sport? In Guangzhou along the Pearl River, the competition is fierce.
The culture outside the north gate of Sun Yat-sen University in Guangzhou is a sight to be seen. Conveniently secluded from the traffic that moves below, the north gate promenade is a concrete park for all ages to come out, gather, enjoy the outdoors, the river scene, and many activities for all ages. In the morning are the old folks practicing taiqi, old ladies clapping and flogging themselves, sword-wielding martial artists waving their weapons, and many people who come for the therapeutic tip-toe on the cobblestones that surround the flagpole at the water’s edge. In the evening emerge the dancers. Entrepreneurial dance instructors lead their groups in ballroom steps, tap dancing, salsa, and even the Macarena. And we can’t forget the roller skaters – like an ice-skating rink without ice, the promenade turns into a race track where young and old get together to learn the basics and show off their backward skating skills.
Perhaps most interesting of all the action outside the north gate is a special group of sports enthusiasts. (more…)
