As Beijing culture is closely linked to the seasons, traditional toys from Beijing often involved the whole family getting out and enjoying themselves. In spring, people like to fly kites, play with windmills and diaboloes. According to tradition, kite flying in Spring is a way to release the foul spirit accumulated during the long winter. Also, with so much wind and dry weather, spring time in Beijing is perfect for flying kites.
Rich families used to buy big kites or hire artisans to make kites especially for them. Ordinary people bought kites at places like Liulichang or Changdian. Children of poor families would make simple kites by themselves. Some kites have whistles on them and others have a small drum, which beats in the wind. The famous Ha Kites have been made by two Ha generations. Their kites are cheap, pretty and easy to fly.
