International Friends Explore Huangyan’s Festive Paper Cutting

During the Spring Festival, Huangyan is brimming with festive charm, attracting many international visitors eager to experience its intangible cultural heritage. Recently, two international students delved into the world of Huangyan paper cutting, immersing themselves in this intricate "art at your fingertips."

With a history dating back to the Song and Yuan dynasties, Huangyan paper cutting was recognized as a Zhejiang provincial intangible cultural heritage in 2009. Enthralled by Chinese culture, they reached out to provincial-level heritage inheritor Shen Lei, eager to craft their own festive paper-cut artwork.

Welcoming his foreign guests with enthusiasm, Shen Lei introduced the history and techniques of paper cutting before guiding them in creating the auspicious “Chun” (Spring) character and the “Nian Nian You Yu” (Abundance through the year) design. Over two hours of meticulous learning, language and cultural barriers faded as they honed their skills and completed their own works.

"Paper cutting is so much fun!" one of them exclaimed, holding up a finished "Spring" character. They expressed a desire to take on more intricate designs in the future, hoping to create a piece as a gift for their family. As more global visitors embrace the traditions of the Chinese New Year, Huangyan’s folk customs continue to serve as a bridge of cultural exchange, spreading warmth and friendship across borders.