Huangyan Paper Cutting: A Cultural Magnet for Foreigners

On the evening of May 1, the Wudong Bridge Intangible Cultural Heritage Market in Huangyan came alive under the soft glow of lanterns. The bridge bustled with visitors drawn to its twinkling lights, while the air below filled with the aroma of street food, blending ancient charm with modern vibrancy.

Artisans showcased diverse traditions, including delicate Fanhuang bamboo carvings and Xiaonanmen paper fans etched with historical tales. Fiery pyrography artworks also captivated onlookers, depicting Nezha—a renowned Chinese mythological figure—and Shiji Niangniang, another character from folklore, in vivid detail.

The paper-cutting booth was a crowd favorite. Pascal, a visitor from Dominica, meticulously snipped a "little fish" from red paper under the guidance of Shen Lei, a provincial-level inheritor of the craft. Having lived in China for years, Pascal had long been fascinated by its intangible heritage. With Shen's help, he completed his first paper-cutting piece, Nian Nian You Yu (meaning "abundance year after year," a symbol of prosperity)."Learning this craft is thrilling," Pascal beamed. "I’ll share this with friends to showcase China’s cultural magic. "Shen Lei reflected, "Teaching Pascal this motif—a symbol of Huangyan’s thriving life—is meaningful. This event gathers masters to present heritage up close, bridging past and present."

Nearby, young Cai Jinghan focused on her "homework"—a paper-cutting task assigned by Shen Lei. Her mother, Ms. Zhang, watched in delight, recording the moment. "She’s never tried this before, but look how absorbed she is!"

The Wudong Bridge market, through its paper-cutting interactions, has become a cultural bridge, revitalizing traditional heritage in the modern era.