Guangling paper-cutting, in northern China's Shanxi province, is one of the country's most renowned craftsmanships. [Photo/CGTN]

Chinese paper-cutting is one of the oldest handicrafts in China. It varies from animals and plants to the vivid scenes of our everyday lives.

Guangling paper-cutting, in northern China's Shanxi province, is one of the country's most renowned craftsmanships, and thanks to the efforts of Zhang Duotang, a descendant of its founder, the concept has now developed into a lucrative industry.

Zhang Duotang is the fourth generation of the founder of Guangling paper-cutting. Now 62 years old, he began to learn this skill at the age of eight.

The Guangling paper-cutting has been listed in the catalog of nationally protected intangible cultural heritage.

With bright colors, vivid models, delicate lines, dynamic forms of expression and skillful engraving, it is regarded as a "Unique Chinese Folk Art" and was added to the list of World Intangible Cultural Heritage by UNESCO in 2009.

There are 38 procedures involved in making paper cuts - it's a pure handicraft that cannot be replaced by modern machines.

But as more and more young people are leaving Guangling to find work, it's an art that is slowly dying.