Folk artist keeps Jianping paper-cutting tradition alive in NE China

Yang Zhihong (front) introduces papercut works at an art exhibition hall in Jianping County of Chaoyang City, northeast China's Liaoning Province, Oct. 10, 2026. Known for its bold, rustic style and designs inspired by folk stories and traditional symbols, Jianping paper-cutting reflects the rich culture of western Liaoning Province.

Born in 1972, Yang Zhihong is a representative inheritor of Jianping paper-cutting, a provincial-level intangible cultural heritage of Liaoning Province. Inspired by local folk artists from an early age, she has devoted herself to preserving this traditional art.

Over decades of practice, Yang has won several major industry awards. Today, she continues to explore the art's cultural heritage and create new works, keeping this ancient folk tradition alive. (Xinhua/Li Gang)