Yuxian County, located in northwestern Hebei Province, is renowned for its paper-cutting. Yuxian County paper-cutting, also known as "window flowers", is a traditional local decorative folk art. The production technique of Yuxian County paper-cutting is unique among paper cuts in China. Unlike others that are "cut", Yuxian County pieces are "carved". The material used is thin Xuan paper, and small, sharp engraving knives are employed to carve the patterns. After which, they are then colored in bright, vivid tones. The basic production process includes design, smoke-stenciling, carving, and coloring.

Yuxian County Paper-cutting (Source: Official WeChat account of Hebei Provincial Department of Culture and Tourism, rights confirmation required)

The themes of Yuxian County Paper-cutting are extensive and rich in everyday life. Common subjects include opera characters and mythological figures, as well as flowers, birds, fish, insects and natural landscapes. Traditional Chinese auspicious motifs such as blessings, prosperity, longevity, happiness and "surplus year after year" are also widely used. In terms of color, the works often feature high-brightness, high-saturation hues with strong contrasts, giving them a distinctly folk aesthetic. Compositionally, they are characterized by dense yet orderly patterns, with the main subject clearly highlighted and supported by decorative elements.

Yuxian County Paper-cutting (Source: Official WeChat account of Hebei Provincial Department of Culture and Tourism, rights confirmation required)

Recommended Place to Visit

Nanzhangzhuang Village

Nanzhangzhuang Village in Yuxian County is the birthplace of Yuxian County Paper-cutting. The village features a paper-cutting experience hall and numerous paper-cutting workshops and retail stores. Visitors can not only view and purchase paper-cut artworks but also experience the joy of creating their own paper-cut artworks.