Ticket holders of the 43rd Weifang International Kite Festival and the 2026 Kite Carnival have free or discounted entry to 36 scenic spots across the city from April 18 to 30. [Photo/WeChat account: wlweifang]

The 43rd Weifang International Kite Festival and the 2026 Kite Carnival begin on April 18 at the World Kite Park.

This year, organizers have a visitor-friendly initiative: ticket holders can have free or discounted entry to 36 scenic spots across the city. A ticket stub becomes a pass for deeper exploration of Weifang.

In previous years, many visitors left soon after the kite events, missing out on the city's cultural and natural attractions. This year, Weifang plans to change that. The participating sites include the Shihuyuan Museum and Yishan Mountain, Jingzhi Wine City, and Red Sorghum Studio Base, which feature historical landmarks, natural scenery, and industrial tourism. With the festival ticket, visitors can access these places at reduced prices, allowing for a more varied itinerary.

The discounts are significant: seven scenic spots have free entry, while key sites like Yishan Mountain, Shimenfang, and Laolongwan have half-price entry. The World Kite Park itself offers a 70 percent discount. Discounts also apply to hot springs, camping sites, and polar ocean attractions, catering to different interests.

Additionally, Weifang lists 52 scenic areas that are always free to visit, including Qingzhou Ancient City, Weifang Museum, and Bailang Green Wetland Park. The combination of free attractions and discounted sites creates a complete travel experience.

The kite festival is a major annual event for Weifang. This year, a single ticket connects the main venue filled with kites and the city's varied scenery and culture. For visitors, this means a richer travel experience; for Weifang, it is a practical step toward turning a festival's appeal into lasting tourism appeal.