Paper-cutting (Yangzhou)

Yangzhou is among the earliest regions where paper-cutting spread, with a Tang–Song custom of "cutting paper to herald spring." Yangzhou paper-cut is known for its clean lines, intricate composition and elegant style—a leading example of southern paper-cutting.

Yangzhou paper-cut relies chiefly on scissors, sometimes with knives, the scissors moving across xuan paper like a brush. Subjects favour flowers, fish and figures, prizing a true "cut-and-paper" feel with flowing, unbroken lines.

Yangzhou paper-cut entered the first national ICH list in 2006 and, as part of "Chinese paper-cut," joined UNESCO's Representative List in 2009. It is an important window onto Jiangnan folk art and customs.