Kites have been used in China for nearly three thousand years for both leisure and practical purposes, so it's fitting that the country has a museum to celebrate all things kite-related. The Weifang World Kite Museum, a couple hours from Beijing, is the world's largest kite museum, with more than 8,000 square meters of displays of colorful kites throughout history and the finest kites of today. Visitors can marvel at kites of various kinds, including soft-wing kites, rugged-wing kites, plank kites, bucket kites, and, my personal favorite, dragon kites. Of course, a museum like this has a gift shop as well as a staff of kite-flying experts on hand, so whether you're an experienced kite flier or you're still trying to get your first kite out of a tree, you'll find a beautiful kite and a lesson in how to make it fly high and true. It's always a good time to fly a kite in China, but if you'd like some company while you do it, look out for kite festivals at Weifang, Shanghai, Beijing, and anywhere there's a good breeze. Starwood has properties throughout the Middle Kingdom, including the luxurious St. Regis Beijing. The Sheraton Qingdao Hotel, in the heart of kite country, is slated to open its doors in October, 2009.