Paper-cut is a time-honored Chinese folk art. In the past, people used to post red-colored paper-cut works on doors, windows or furniture as decoration, hoping to keep evils away and bring happiness.

Nowadays, artisans endow the folk art with more colorful ideas and modern interpretations. Much more complicated designs of paper-cut have been created by skillful hands, paper, and scissors.

I visited the paper-cut shop on the second floor of Baigong Handicraft Museum. Walking into the shop, I was shocked that a thin piece of paper could be turned into such delicate artworks with shapes of landscape, ancient characters, birds and flowers…

I like the Chinese Zodiac bookmarks very much. The twelve animals look vividly and lovely. A set of them costs only RMB 38.

The owner, also a paper-cut master, told me that most of the items inside are under RMB 100. Plus, they’re negotiable.

What I appreciated

Vivid paper-cut works, skillful workmanship

What customers appreciate

Unique Chinese handicraft, fit for present