The Journal
Stories, Guides & Culture
Essays and practical guides on Chinese paper arts — written for readers who are meeting jianzhi and xuanzhi for the first time.
What Is Chinese Paper Cutting? The Craft Behind the Red Window Flowers
Discover what Chinese paper cutting is, how the ancient folk craft of jianzhi works, and why red window flowers still grace homes around the world today.
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Chinese Paper Arts: The Complete Guide to China's Paper Traditions
Chinese paper arts go far beyond paper cutting: folding, lanterns, kites, fans, effigies, and painting all grew on paper. Explore every art China built on a sheet.
August 25, 2026
What Is Chinese Paper? A Guide to China's Traditional Papers
What is Chinese paper? Meet the traditional papers of China — Xuan, pith, joss, bamboo, and mulberry — what each is made from, and what each is for.
August 18, 2026
What Does the Chinese Paper Cutting Dragon Symbolize?
What does the dragon symbolize in Chinese paper cutting? Explore the meaning behind its power, strength and good fortune, and the dragon-phoenix pairing.
August 5, 2026
How Chinese Paper Cutting Is Made: From Sketch to Finished Artwork
How is Chinese paper cutting made? Follow the craft from sketch and pattern to scissors and knife, and learn the rule that keeps every design connected.
July 7, 2026
The Meaning of Double Happiness in Chinese Paper Cutting
What does Double Happiness mean in Chinese paper cutting? Meet the wedding symbol shuangxi, its origin story, and how it is cut and displayed at a wedding.
June 24, 2026
The History of Chinese Paper Cutting: 1,500 Years of Scissors and Stories
Trace the 1,500-year history of Chinese paper cutting, from sixth-century folk scissors to the delicate red window flowers recognized by UNESCO in 2009.
June 10, 2026
What Is Xuan Paper? China's Thousand-Year Handmade Paper
What is Xuan paper? Meet the handmade paper from Jing County, Anhui, that painters treasure, and learn how it is made, the three grades, and how to choose.
May 20, 2026
Xuan Paper vs Rice Paper: What's the Difference?
Xuan paper vs rice paper explained: they are not the same thing. Learn what each is really made from and how to choose the right one for your art projects.
April 14, 2026
Chinese Zodiac Paper Cutting Guide: All 12 Animals and Their Meanings
Chinese zodiac paper cutting guide: all 12 animals explained, their years and traits, what each symbolizes, and which design suits your personality best.
February 9, 2026
Chinese Paper Cutting for Chinese New Year: Symbols, Traditions, and What to Display
Chinese New Year paper cutting guide: the symbols to display, from the upside-down fu to the year's zodiac animal, and where each one belongs at home.
January 26, 2026Keep Reading
New to Chinese Paper Arts?
Start with the essentials — then explore the collection with fresh eyes.