The history of paper-cutting in Zhuanghe dates back to the 17th century and in 2008 was included in China's list of State-level intangible cultural heritage.

Paper-cutting masters such as Han Yueqin, Sun Xiuying, and Wang Xiuxiang, are among the most active artists in the field today.

Wang was a teacher at New Oriental Primary School in Lizifang before retiring in 2005 and passed on paper-cutting skills at the school to three teachers, who in turn have passed on the tradition to students.

For instance, 12-year-old Zhang Xiaoqing, a sixth-grade student, has been learning paper-cutting for two years and says it is "very popular".

Wang is chief of the paper-cutting association in Lizifang and always attends sessions where painters and artisans share their experiences and learn from each other.

Sometimes, paper-cutting students go to her home in Huishengde village for advice.

"Paper-cutting is a treasured folk art in China. It helps us find the beauty of life. We have a responsibility to hand down the tradition," Wang says.

He Tong, deputy mayor of Zhuanghe, is proud of the city's folk arts.

"In addition to peasant paintings and paper-cutting, shadow plays, dough modeling, and taipinggu (flat drum with a handle) are popular," he says.

"Both paper-cutting and farmers' paintings have developed strongly in recent years and many primary schools are teaching the arts."