Printable templates are the easiest way to start Chinese paper cutting. Instead of drawing a design freehand, you print a pattern, fold or lay it over your paper, and cut along the lines. The finished cut carries the same meaning as a hand-drawn one — good fortune, long life, happiness, or prosperity — but the template removes the hardest part: getting the proportions right.
This page collects all of our free Chinese paper-cutting templates in one place. Each set is saved as a printable PDF at A4 scale and includes a short guide to the symbols. Choose a design below, download the PDF, and start cutting.
The template library
Our paper-cutting templates are organized into collections. Each template has its own page with cultural background and printing instructions.
Why use printable templates
Chinese paper cutting (jianzhi) looks delicate, but the basic skill is simple: cut away the dark areas and leave the light ones. Templates let beginners skip the design stage and focus on the cut.
- A4 scale. Every PDF is made to print at 100% scale on standard A4 paper.
- Symbol guides included. Each template comes with notes on what the design means and when to use it.
- Red or white paper. Print on red paper for a traditional finish, or on white paper and back the finished cut with red.
Templates are also useful for teachers, craft groups, and anyone who wants to make several matching cuts for a party or classroom.
Fu character templates
The character Fu (福) means blessing and good fortune. It is the most common paper-cutting symbol at Chinese New Year, and it is often hung upside down on doors as a pun: “Fortune has arrived.”
Our Fu template set includes three classic designs:
- Window-flower Fu — the character inside a round floral medallion
- Double-dragon Fu — dragons framing the blessing
- Big Fu — a bold, beginner-friendly single character
Three A4 Fu designs: window-flower, double-dragon, and big Fu. Print at 100% scale.
Read more about the meaning of Fu in Fu Character Paper Cutting Templates.
Shou and Xi templates
Shou (寿) stands for longevity and is given to elders. Xi (囍), the double-happiness character, is used at weddings. Together they cover two of the most important family celebrations.
This set includes:
- Shou — the longevity character, wide and flowing
- Standard Xi — the classic double-happiness form
- Magpie Xi — Xi paired with magpies, birds of joyful news
Three A4 designs for longevity and wedding celebrations. Print at 100% scale.
Learn the symbolism in Shou and Xi Paper Cutting Templates.
Animal templates
Animals carry specific wishes in Chinese folk art. Our animal template set includes:
- Rooster — reliability and new beginnings
- Lion — protection and strength
- Crane — long life and good fortune
Three A4 animal designs: rooster, lion, and crane. Print at 100% scale.
See what each creature means in Animals in Chinese Paper Cutting.
Flower templates
Flowers in paper cutting are rarely just decorative. Each bloom carries a seasonal or symbolic message:
- Round medallion flower — completeness and reunion
- Plum blossom — perseverance through winter
- Flower basket — abundance and prosperity
Three A4 flower designs: medallion, plum blossom, and flower basket. Print at 100% scale.
Read more in Flowers in Chinese Paper Cutting.
How to print and cut
- Print at 100% scale. Do not fit-to-page; the templates are sized for A4.
- Choose your paper. Red paper is traditional. White paper works if you back the finished cut with red.
- Cut the dark areas. The black parts of the template are removed; the white parts remain.
- Use small scissors and a craft knife. Scissors handle long curves; a knife helps with inner corners.
- Mount carefully. Paste the finished cut on a door, window, or card. For Fu on an entrance door, hang it upside down for “fortune has arrived.”
FAQ
Are these templates really free? Yes. Every PDF on this page is free for personal and educational use.
Can I use them in a classroom? Yes. Teachers are welcome to print copies for classroom use.
What paper thickness works best? Thin paper is easiest to cut cleanly. Traditional red rice paper, printer paper, or lightweight origami paper all work.
Do I need to credit the site? No credit is required for personal use. For commercial licensing, please contact us.
Which template is best for beginners? The Big Fu and Shou templates have the widest strokes and are the most forgiving for beginners.
Author
This article was prepared by the team at ChineseFolkCrafts.com. We are not intangible-cultural-heritage inheritors or museum researchers. Our job is to find authoritative Chinese sources, understand them, and explain them clearly for international readers.
If you spot an error — a date, a translation, a misattributed custom — please let us know and we will correct it. Last updated 2026-08-02.
