As households across the Chinese mainland prepare for this year's Spring Festival celebrations, fourth-generation paper-cutting artist Zhang Weisheng breathes new life into ancient traditions with his striking horse-themed chuanghua designs. The delicate red paper creations, meticulously hand-cut to symbolize prosperity and vitality, arrive as millions embrace the Lunar New Year's timeless customs.
"Each galloping horse represents different aspirations – from career success to family harmony," Zhang explained during a recent exhibition in Shaanxi province. His four distinctive designs incorporate modern geometric patterns while maintaining traditional motifs like peonies and cloud formations, creating a visual bridge between past and present.
This art form's preservation gains renewed attention in 2026 as cultural institutions launch digital archives of regional paper-cutting styles. Meanwhile, craft workshops report increased interest from young urban residents seeking hands-on experiences with intangible cultural heritage.
As night falls on January 28th, these crimson paper horses will prance across windows nationwide – silent yet vibrant guardians of tradition welcoming the Year of the Horse.
