Fujian ICH: Chinese paper-cutting

Chinese paper-cutting is a form of traditional folk art with a broad popular base, classified under the category of traditional fine arts.

This art form involves using scissors or knives to cut patterns into paper, serving to embellish daily life or complement other folk customs. The enduring visual imagery and stylistic patterns of paper-cutting not only reflect the rich and distinctive regional cultures but also play an integral part in various folk activities.

It holds the prestigious status of being recognized as a world-class intangible cultural heritage item and is listed in the UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, with its application submitted from Ningde city and Zhangzhou city in Fujian province.

As a vital aspect of the cultural life of diverse ethnic groups, the paper-cutting traditions of Zhangpu and Zherong in Fujian are notable for their distinct regional characteristics and rich historical and cultural connotations, making them outstanding examples of Chinese paper-cutting art.

The cultural heritage protection units responsible for its preservation are the Zherong County Cultural Center in Ningde and the Zhangpu County Cultural Center in Zhangzhou.