Paper cutting was one of the first folk arts to begin in China. Throughout the centuries, it has been used for many different reasons and featured within many different festivals and celebrations. Paper cutting is now an art form in many different countries; however, China is the only country which includes it as part of its ancient traditional culture and heritage.

The first Chinese paper cutting was found in the 6th century in Xinjiang during the Northern and Southern Dynasty (420-589). Xinjiang is the Uygur Autonomous Region in the northwest of China. Traditional Paper cutting was seen as an extravagant custom and festive leisure activity as paper had only been invented by the Chinese in the 5th century. During the Tang Dynasty (618-907), paper cutting was popular among royalty and nobles within the palaces. Women were often judged for their paper cutting skills and many brides had to master the skills before marriage.

Paper cutting was originally used as hair decorations and sacrificial offerings. Women would wear gold and silver foil cuttings in their hair for good luck. Men also used paper cuttings for good luck in sacred ceremonies. Gradually, paper started to be distributed to the masses and paper cutting became a folk art among the peasants as well as the elite. By the 14th century, paper cutting had been introduced to the outside world including Germany, Japan and Italy who now use paper cutting regularly for art.

During the Qing Dynasty (1644-1912), paper cutting became popular as a decoration for festivals and gifts. Red paper signifies good luck and was given to brides on their wedding day. Red paper cuttings were also hung from doorways, walls, mirrors and lanterns during the festive seasons to bring hope and good luck to all.

Towards the end of the Qing Dynasty, paper cutting was on the decline due to new artists turning towards more popular crafts including embroidery and brocade.

Chinese paper cutting is famous throughout the world for the skill, patience and persistence needed to create this detailed art. Artists create a continuous line in and around the paper. They then work inwards by creating a circle and cutting away from it forming the desired shape. Every design must be formed as an unbroken, continuous piece.

Knife cutting allows more paper cuts to be produced at the one time. The pattern is either drawn on or carved by free hand. A knife is used to carve the motif into the paper to create a three-dimensional looking shape. Artists often carve their own tools from split bamboo and metal pieces.

Common patterns used within paper cuttings are Chinese symbols associated with good luck, joy, hope and health. The twelve animals of the Chinese zodiac are often used for decorations in the festive seasons. The shapes of gods are seen in paper cuttings during the Chinese New Year.

Throughout the centuries, paper cutting has been associated with good luck and is still used within festivals and given as gifts to represent this notion. Today, Chinese paper cutting is recognized as a part of traditional Chinese culture and is slowly returning to the centre of Chinese art.