Paper-cuttings are one of China's most popular and ancient forms of visual art, with the oldest known paper cuts dating back to around 400 A.D.  For centuries, paper-cuts were used in China for decorative, religious, and Feng Shui purposes.  They were used as an ornament in windows, walls, columns, mirrors, lamps and lanterns .  It was believed that paper-cuttings put at the entrance gates would brings good luck to the householder and the family.

Paper-cuttings are all hand-made. The paper used in paper cutting are usually thin,  soft and red - the lucky colour for the Chinese.   Coloured paper were later used to enhance visual effects.  There are two common techniques in making paper-cuttings: scissor cutting and knife cutting.   In scissor cutting, five to eight paper strips are fastened together with a motif pattern.  A pair of sharp scissors is used to cut the whole stack of paper to the desired pattern.

In knife cuttings, several layers of paper are stacked together and laid on top of a cutting matt.  The image pattern is first drawn on a paper template and then transferred to the top layer of the paper.  A sharp knife is then used to cut the motif into the paper by following the pattern.   The knife-cutting technique is more precise and gives better results.

Paper cuts are still widely used today in China, especially in some important festivals such as the Chinese New Year.  Most of the figures depicted in paper cuts stem from stories, historic legends, superstitious beliefs, and religions.  The animals of the Chinese zodiac, for example,  are a most common theme in paper cuts.