More than 160 artworks by 96 paper-cutting artists have been on display in Shanxi's Xiangfen county, a popular center of the traditional craft since the mid-Qing Dynasty (1644-1911).

The exhibition, which opened on May 30, featured 160 artworks selected from more than 1,600 submissions by 500 artists from three countries.

Exhibits display works of traditional paper-cutting, paper-cut sculptures and photos related to the art in Xiangfen Art Museum and Dingcun village, a national historic village featuring two cultural relics sites under national protection.

Under a "refraction" theme, the exhibition aimed to establish a platform for the exchange of paper-cutting skills and techniques, the promotion of Chinese traditional culture and the integration of elements of traditional culture with modern tourism.

According to Li Qingyan, a senior county government official, the exhibition also presents a chance to further attract global attention to Xiangfen and Shanxi province, and to help develop local culture and tourism.

"I come from Xiangfen county and it’s my mission to promote, protect and pass down the culture of my hometown and Shanxi," said Li Haiwang, chief planner of the exhibition.

The exhibition runs until June 18.

A paper-cut exhibition opens in Xiangfen county, Shanxi province, May 30. [Photo/people.com.cn]

 

A visitor photographs paper-cut artworks at the exhibition. [Photo/people.com.cn]