Shell carving (bèi diāo) is a traditional Chinese folk art that involves carving intricate patterns, figures, or scenes into the shells of marine animals—such as conch, abalone, or oyster shells. The character 贝 (bèi) originally meant 'shell' and historically served as ancient currency in China, symbolizing value and natural beauty; 雕 (diāo) means 'to carve' or 'to engrave', often referring to skilled craftsmanship in wood, stone, or metal. Together, 贝雕 literally means 'carving on shell'.

This art form is especially prominent in coastal regions like Dalian, Qingdao, and Hainan, where artisans transform naturally iridescent shells into decorative items—such as wall hangings, jewelry, or miniature sculptures. Shell carvings are valued not only for their aesthetic appeal but also for their cultural significance, representing harmony between human skill and natural materials. They are commonly sold as souvenirs or displayed in museums of intangible cultural heritage.