Explore the history, regional styles, and symbolic language of Chinese paper cutting.
Bats, fish, peonies, peaches and more — decode the eight classic lucky motifs of Chinese paper cutting and the puns turning red paper into spoken wishes.
From bats to tigers to fish, Chinese paper cutters use animals to send blessings. Learn the real meanings behind the creatures in red paper.
A comprehensive guide to Chinese folk crafts — paper cutting, Chinese knots, lanterns, New Year pictures, cloth art, and kites — their history, symbols, regional styles, and how they connect.
Why Chinese families paste red paper cuts on their windows for New Year, what the classic designs mean, and how a simple window becomes a lantern of good wishes.
From 1,500-year-old tomb medallions to UNESCO recognition in 2009 — how Chinese paper cutting evolved through the dynasties into a living folk art.
Download free printable Chinese paper-cutting templates in PDF. Fu, Shou, Xi, animals, flowers, and more — ready to print on A4 paper for Spring Festival, weddings, and birthdays.
Download all 12 Chinese zodiac paper-cutting templates free: rat, ox, tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, goat, monkey, rooster, dog, and pig. A4 and US Letter PDFs.
Download a free traditional Chinese dog paper-cutting template, the loyal guardian whose bark sounds like the word for 'prosperity.' Print-ready A4 and US Letter PDF.
Download a free traditional Chinese dragon paper-cutting template. Print-ready A4 and US Letter PDF with cultural meaning, difficulty notes, and cutting instructions.
Peonies, lotus, chrysanthemums, and plum blossoms — the flowers in Chinese paper cuts are never just pretty. Each one carries a wish.
Download three free Fu character paper-cutting templates. Learn why the Fu (福) symbol is pasted upside down at Chinese New Year and how to cut your own blessing.
The three stars of Chinese folk belief — Fu, Lu, and Shou — appear everywhere in paper cutting. Learn what each star means and how cutters picture them.
Download a free traditional Chinese goat paper-cutting template celebrating the 'three goats bring prosperity' New Year blessing. Print-ready A4 and US Letter PDF.
Download a free traditional Chinese horse paper-cutting template of the zodiac sign whose arrival promises success. Print-ready A4 and US Letter PDF.
Fold, cut, unfold — make your first Chinese paper cut with red paper and scissors, learn the yin and yang cuts, and display your work the traditional way.
Download a free traditional Chinese monkey paper-cutting template — the zodiac's quick-witted sign, beloved through the Monkey King. Print-ready A4 and US Letter PDF.
Download a free traditional Chinese ox paper-cutting template honoring the zodiac sign of diligence, steadiness, and the spring-plowing year. Print-ready A4 and US Letter PDF.
Download a free traditional Chinese pig paper-cutting template, the round symbol of wealth whose arrival means fortune at the gate. Print-ready A4 and US Letter PDF.
Download a free traditional Chinese rabbit paper-cutting template of the zodiac's gentle sign, companion of the Jade Rabbit on the moon. Print-ready A4 and US Letter PDF.
Download a free traditional Chinese rat paper-cutting template celebrating the clever first sign of the zodiac. Print-ready A4 and US Letter PDF.
Download a free traditional Chinese rooster paper-cutting template, the dawn bird whose very name puns with good luck. Print-ready A4 and US Letter PDF.
Download free Shou and Xi paper-cutting templates. Learn the meanings behind Chinese longevity and double-happiness symbols and how to cut them yourself.
Download a free traditional Chinese snake paper-cutting template of the zodiac's 'little dragon,' a symbol of wisdom and renewal. Print-ready A4 and US Letter PDF.
Why red paper? What do the bats and fish mean? Discover how rural Chinese women spoke through scissors, turning cut paper into a language of blessings.
Download a free traditional Chinese tiger paper-cutting template of the zodiac's fearless guardian, long trusted to protect children and doorways. Print-ready A4 and US Letter PDF.
Chinese paper cutting is not one art but many. Learn how cutters divide the craft by technique, color, use, region, and subject — and what each style means.