Guangxi foreign experts experience charm of paper cutting

The delegation visits Guangxi International Paper Arts Center in Nanning. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

A delegation of nearly 20 overseas experts from seven countries, such as the United States, France, Indonesia, and Thailand, working in Guangxi Zhuang autonomous region was invited to experience the charms of paper cutting on Jan 15 in celebration of the upcoming Spring Festival, which falls on Feb 1. 

The delegation visited Guangxi International Paper Arts Center in Nanning, where paper cutting works by inheritors of this intangible cultural heritage item are displayed alongside red lanterns and festive decorations. 

They got a close look at the historic origins, folk stories, and customs of the Spring Festival in China. Several of them shared their stories of celebrating the festival in China, as well as the traditions and customs of people in their home countries celebrating the New Year. 

Foreign experts try paper cutting. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

An inheritor surnamed Zhong, who specialized in paper cutting, taught the delegation how to make their own works that feature elements of the Year of the Tiger.

An official from the Science and Technology Department of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region (Foreign Expert Bureau) noted that a growing number of foreigners have come to work in Guangxi due to the region's further opening-up.

Since 2017, the bureau has been taking various measures, such as organizing activities in which foreigners experience local culture, promoting local policies, as well as establishing consultation and service platforms, to help foreigners better their quality of life in Guangxi.