A Folk Art with Ancient Roots

Chinese paper-cutting is one of the oldest forms of folk art in China, with a history spanning over 1,500 years. Using scissors or knives, artists cut or carve figures, flowers, animals, landscapes, and folk scenes into paper, expressing emotions and aspirations through simple materials. As early as the Northern Dynasties, paper-cutting was used in festivals, religious ceremonies, and weddings. By the Ming and Qing dynasties, the art had matured and spread widely among urban and rural communities, becoming an inseparable part of everyday life. In 2009, Chinese paper-cutting was inscribed on UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, marking its recognition on the global stage.

Diverse Regional Styles
         China’s vast territory gives rise to a wide variety of paper-cutting styles. The works of Shaanxi and Shanxi are bold and powerful, featuring strong lines and vivid decorative qualities. In contrast, Hebei’s Yu County paper-cuts are famous for their colorful and intricate window decorations. Southern regions such as Jiangsu and Zhejiang emphasize delicacy, elegance, and flowing lines, while paper-cuttings from Inner Mongolia and Northeast China often incorporate totems and ethnic symbols, reflecting rich local traditions. These regional variations are like painted scrolls of daily life, revealing the cultural diversity and aesthetic tastes of the Chinese people.

Cultural Symbolism and Meaning
        Paper-cutting is more than decoration—it is a cultural language filled with symbolism and belief. During Spring Festival, window paper-cuts represent “joy and reunion”; at weddings, the “double happiness” character conveys blessings for marital bliss. Patterns such as “Fish for Prosperity” or “Five Blessings” express hopes for wealth, longevity, and good fortune. Common motifs include dragons, phoenixes, peonies, lotuses, and qilin—each symbolizing harmony and auspiciousness. Through these designs, paper-cutting reflects both artistic creativity and the Chinese people’s desire for happiness and balance.

Artistic Value and Techniques
        The charm of paper-cutting lies in its free-flowing artistry—“the knife follows the heart, and the paper follows the form.” Artists often transform a simple red sheet into intricate imagery through skill and imagination. Techniques generally fall into two categories: cutting, done with scissors for flexibility and spontaneity, and carving, done with knives for fine detail. Composition, balance, and contrast between solid and void spaces are essential. Many works are symmetrical, producing rhythm and harmony. Traditional masters often work without sketches, relying solely on intuition and craftsmanship, embodying the spirit of Chinese folk artistry—“skill from the heart, precision from the hand.”

A Living Art in Daily Life
        Paper-cutting is deeply woven into Chinese festivals and customs. During the Spring Festival, Lantern Festival, Qingming, weddings, and harvest seasons, paper-cuts adorn doors, windows, and courtyards. In northern China, every household decorates with red window flowers that glow warmly in the winter sun, symbolizing happiness and good fortune. Today, paper-cutting extends beyond festive uses—it appears in clothing design, packaging, stage sets, and modern crafts, blending tradition with innovation and vitality.

Preservation and Modern Innovation
         With modernization and changing lifestyles, traditional paper-cutting once faced the risk of decline as younger generations moved away from rural areas. To safeguard this intangible heritage, many regions have established museums, training bases, and educational programs, inviting folk artists to teach in schools and communities. Meanwhile, contemporary designers and artists are reinventing paper-cutting by merging traditional motifs with modern aesthetics and digital technologies such as laser cutting. Online platforms have also brought paper-cutting to global audiences, revitalizing its cultural presence.

Chinese paper-cutting is an art “cut from culture.” With the simplest materials, it expresses the deepest feelings; with the most minimal forms, it conveys profound meanings. From ancient farmhouse windows to modern art galleries, paper-cutting continues to embody the Chinese people’s love of life and pursuit of beauty. It stands not only as a representative of intangible cultural heritage but also as a symbol of the national spirit. In each delicate cut and fold, we find the warmth and vitality of Chinese culture—a living flower that never fades.