Paper-cutting is one of the oldest folk arts in China. Its popularity is widespread geographically and among various ethnic groups, mainly practiced by women and most popular in rural areas, it is traditionally a skill passed down from mother to daughter, and sometimes used as a standard to evaluate a bride. Skilled artists are extremely admired.

Paper-cutting requires the use of many techniques, including cutting or carving, coloring or leaving white spaces. Paper cut patterns cover a wide range of themes, as artists may choose it as a preferred way of expression and also because of the local folk culture and its purpose of use, such as interior decoration (windows, beds and ceilings), festivities (such as wedding and birthday celebrations) or prayers (asking for rain, ward off evil, etc.). Northern paper-cutting style is bold and unpretentious, simple and concise, southern paper-cutting favors more designs that are elegant and complex, intricate and delicate. Today, Chinese people still use the art of paper-cutting as a way to express their thoughts and feelings. It is deep-rooted in the popular culture, integrating moral, philosophical, and aesthetic concepts, as well as expressing both artistic vitality and human interaction.