Intangible cultural heritage in NW China’s Xinjiang: The art of paper-cutting-TIANSHANNET-天山网

Shiliuyun-Xinjiang Daily (Reporter Zou Yi) news: "Today, I'm heading to Turpan to give a week-long series of lectures. I'm excited to teach dozens of students about paper-cutting," said Bai Liling on January 2, 2025. She is a municipal-level representative inheritor of the intangible cultural heritage of paper-cutting in Urumqi. She made this statement while organizing her tools and cardboard at her studio in Sangongliang Village, Liushihu Township, Urumqi High-tech Zone (New Urban District), northwest China’s Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region.

Photo taken on January 2, 2025 shows Bai Liling packs up her tools and materials to teach in Turpan City, northwest China’s Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region.

Paper-cutting is a form of visual art that creates a concave-convex effect by cutting, folding, curling, and pasting paper. It combines elements of painting and sculpture.

Photo taken on January 2, 2025 shows Bai Liling makes paper-cutting works at her studio in Sangongliang Village, Liushihu Township, Urumqi High-tech Zone (New Urban District), Urumqi City, northwest China’s Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region.

Photo taken on January 2, 2025 shows Bai Liling takes pictures of the newly mounted paper-cutting works at her studio in Sangongliang Village, Liushihu Township, Urumqi High-tech Zone (New Urban District), Urumqi City, northwest China’s Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region.

Bai Liling, 37, is a member of the China Folk Literature and Art Association and serves as the director of the Xinjiang Arts and Crafts Association. She is also recognized as a master of arts and crafts within the Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps. Recently, she was awarded the title of the municipal-level representative inheritor in Urumqi of the intangible cultural heritage of paper-cutting. Bai Liling acknowledges that being an inheritor at the municipal level brings a heavier burden and greater responsibility in inheriting and promoting paper-cutting skills.

Photo taken on January 2, 2025 shows Bai Liling teaches students paper-cutting skills at her studio in Sangongliang Village, Liushihu Township, Urumqi High-tech Zone (New Urban District), Urumqi City, northwest China’s Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region.

Photo taken on January 2, 2024 shows Bai Liling teaches students paper-cutting skills at her studio in Sangongliang Village, Liushihu Township, Urumqi High-tech Zone (New Urban District), Urumqi City, northwest China’s Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region.

Bai Liling has been dedicated to preserving and promoting the art of paper-cutting since she began her studies under Xu Naizheng, a master of arts and crafts from Xinjiang and the inheritor of paper-cutting, in 2010. Over the past ten years, thousands of people have attended Bai Liling’s lectures.

Bai Liling has made significant advancements in paper-cutting, starting from the initial monochrome designs to techniques such as dyed paper-cuttings and color paper-cuttings, and now to her contemporary three-dimensional paper-cuttings. Her paper-cuttings are rich and full, showcasing exquisite craftsmanship and harmonious color combinations. Notably, her works "Building the Chinese Dream Together" and "The Glorious Course of the Centennial Birthday" have both won gold medals from the Arts and Crafts Association of the Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps.

Photo taken on January 2, 2025 shows one of Bai Liling’s students takes pictures of a paper-cut work at her studio in Sangongliang Village, Liushihu Township, Urumqi High-tech Zone (New Urban District), Urumqi City, northwest China’s Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region.

Photo taken on January 2, 2025 shows one of Bai Liling’s students takes pictures of paper-cut works at her studio in Sangongliang Village, Liushihu Township, Urumqi High-tech Zone (New Urban District), Urumqi City, northwest China’s Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region.

"In recent years, the relevant departments have frequently sent us to study in cities such as Beijing, Nanjing, and Shanghai. Most recently, we learned about using AI technology for the design and production of three-dimensional paper-cut works in Shanghai. I have become proficient in this technology, which has significantly improved my work efficiency," Bai Liling said.

Photo taken on January 2, 2025 shows Bai Liling displays the honorary awards she has won over the years on the walls of her studio in Sangongliang Village, Liushihu Township, Urumqi High-tech Zone (New Urban District), Urumqi City, northwest China’s Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region.

In recent years, Bai Liling has been frequently invited to conduct paper-cutting training sessions in various settings, including kindergartens, communities, primary and secondary schools, colleges and universities, and art training institutions. For five consecutive years, she has collaborated with the Shiliuzi Team from the Literary and Art Association of the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region to offer cultural performances in southern Xinjiang.

"During winter leisure, my sisters and I learned paper-cutting, or assisted Bai with some basic tasks. A day of work could also yield an income of a hundred yuan, which feels very fulfilled," said Yang Yuanyuan, a villager in Sangongliang Village.

Photo taken on January 2, 2025 shows tourists visit Bai Liling’s studio in Sangongliang Village, Liushihu Township, Urumqi High-tech Zone (New Urban District), Urumqi City, northwest China’s Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region.

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