Editor's Note

Driving about Beijing in a cab over the last month, we could not help but notice the growing number of kites flying in skies that have been consistently blue and pleasing.

There’s something special about kites in China, and they are something Beijingers and long-term expatriates in the city expect to see each spring and summer. In fact, many of us take the kites for granted, ignoring the artistry and craftsmanship involved in making them. With our offices near Tiantan Park (the Temple of Heaven), we see kites flying almost without end, even late at night bearing small lights in the summertime. It’s quite the spectacle.

But did you ever look at a kite close up or study the story of kites in Beijing? We decided to do just that and turned to kite-maker Fei Baoling, who we discovered lives just down the street from our offices, to enlighten us about Beijing kite lore. The result was a fascinating tale written by BTM writer Rocky Lee about Fei and his passion for kites, especially those described by the famed 18th century novelist Cao Xueqin, who is better known as the author of the Dream of Red Mansions. Enjoy this special story about Beijing beginning on page 26.

There are several big events coming to China in 2010, but one of the most important will be the World Expo 2010 Shanghai. In this issue, we introduce the overall plan for what is being described as one of the most important world expositions in some time. With more than 70 million visitors expected, this is really going to be a big showcase for China. See why beginning on page 12.

There is more immediate fun to be had at the 2009 Ninth “Meet in Beijing” Arts Festival from April 28–May 29, with various events scheduled for dozens of venues in Central Beijing. There will be something for everyone at the festival, with all kinds of artistic exhibitions and musical performances taking place, featuring everything from serious operas to plain old silliness.

Beijing is a great place to be in the springtime, and the “Meet in Beijing” Arts Festival is just one of the many reasons why this is so.