‘Jiǎn zhǐ’ literally means ‘to cut paper’ and refers to the traditional Chinese folk art of cutting intricate designs from a single sheet of paper using scissors or knives. The character 剪 (jiǎn) means ‘to cut’ or ‘to trim’, while 纸 (zhǐ) means ‘paper’ — together they name both the action and the resulting decorative artwork. This centuries-old craft is especially prominent during Chinese New Year and weddings, where red paper-cuttings symbolize good fortune, prosperity, and happiness.

Paper-cutting often features auspicious motifs like animals (especially the zodiac), flowers, characters for ‘blessing’ (福) or ‘double happiness’ (囍), and scenes from folklore. Artisans fold, sketch, and cut paper with precision, producing symmetrical, lace-like patterns. Though modern tools exist, hand-cut pieces remain highly valued for their craftsmanship and cultural resonance. Jiǎn zhǐ is recognized by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.