A Chinese kite with the words "The earliest aircraft are Chinese kites and fire arrows" hangs on one of the walls of the Astronavigation Museum in Washington reminding visitors of the fact that kites were invented by the Chinese about 2,000 years ago.

At first, the Chinese used kites for military purposes but they penetrated the entertainment sphere in the middle of the Tang Dynasty (618-907 AD), to be introduced to the western world some time around the 12th century.

So Chinese kites have a story of their own to tell as a visit St James Cavalier, Valletta, where an exhibition of Chinese kites will run until February 15, will surely prove.

The exhibition forms part of a programme of activities being organised to mark the Chinese spring festival.

The programme also includes cultural representations, including acrobatics, traditional Chinese opera and Chinese music later this the month. The events are being organised by the China Cultural Centre and the Valletta local council, with the support of the Ministry for Tourism and Culture and the Embassy of the People's Republic of China.

The cultural events start on January 29 at the Manoel Theatre, in Valletta, where there will be acrobatics and opera. There will be a parade in Republic Street, Valletta, the following day, with the opening performance being held at Freedom Square at 10.30 a.m. A Chinese New Year concert will be presented at the Manoel Theatre in the evening.