Beijing's weather in April usually features sunshine and spring breezes, seemingly good enough, if not perfect, for kite flying, despite lingering smog from time to time.

The 2015 Beijing International Kite Flying Festival started on just such a weekend with the theme "Flying dreams and helping Beijing's bid for the 2022 Winter Olympics."

Some 120 kite-flying and kite-making masters and enthusiasts attended the event, while 15 countries, 14 provinces on the Chinese mainland, Macao and Taiwan also sent kite teams to take part in the festival.

At the opening ceremony, a "kite couple" -- Ron from the United States and Baew from Thailand – flew a huge kite emblazoned with both of their pictures. They said they have been married for more than 20 years. "Kite-flying is like a bridge that connects us," said Ron. "Kite-flying is an indispensable part of our family." The couple added that each year, they take kites they crafted themselves to travel abroad and fly kites together, which they said is one of the happiest things in their life.

According to its organization committee, the 2015 Beijing International Kite Flying Festival will be held at two venues: the current one in Fengtai District and another one in Tongzhou District, an eastern suburb.

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