A Thousand Years of History
Paper cutting is one of China's oldest folk arts. The Northern Dynasty 'Paired Horse Medallion' paper cutting unearthed in Astana, Turpan, Xinjiang, dates back about 1,500 years. In the Ballad of Mulan, the maiden's 'golden flower' makeup was also paper-cut. A sheet of red paper, a pair of scissors — folk artists can create endless patterns with their hands.
Window Flowers and Auspicious Symbols
During festivals, northern windows were always decorated with paper cuts: fish patterns symbolized 'abundance year after year', pomegranates wished for 'many children and blessings', and bats sounded like 'fortune arrives'. Every design carries meaning, every meaning brings good luck — every cut on red paper is the simplest wish for a good life.
The Beauty of Folded Symmetry
Fold red paper into angles, make a few cuts, and unfold to reveal blooming medallion flowers. This mathematically precise symmetry is the most charming wisdom of paper cutting, and the origin of the 'Paper Cut Art' gameplay. Old artists often say: a thousand cuts won't break, ten thousand scissors won't sever.
UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage
In 2009, Chinese paper cutting was included in UNESCO's Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. Between one sheet and one pair of scissors, what's inherited is the Chinese people's imagination and blessings for a beautiful life.