A paper-cutting made by seniors in Guyuan, Ningxia. [Photo/xuexi.cn] 

How many ways can seniors enjoy their retirement? Exercise, travel, babysitting... In the Xicheng Road community of Guyuan, Ningxia, some elderly residents have chosen paper-cutting and handicrafts to enrich their lives. 

Every day, over a dozen seniors gather at the community's paper art studio, chatting and cutting, creating a warm and joyful atmosphere. Established in January this year, this studio is a cultural heritage workshop initiated by retired teacher Li Rongzhen. 

"When I was a child in the countryside, we used to put up beautiful paper-cuttings during festivals, which left a deep impression on me," Li recalls. For decades, her paper-cutting and crafts were cherished hobbies amid her busy work life. 

After retiring from Ningxia Normal University in 2022, Li devoted more time to her long-held hobbies, enrolling in a paper-cutting class at the city's senior university. 

Handicrafts made by seniors in Guyuan, Ningxia. [Photo/xuexi.cn]

Last year, during a community event where Li showcased her paper-cuttings and handmade works, community Party secretary Fu Xiaofen had an idea: "The community has space, and you have the skills. Why not set up a cultural heritage workshop to engage more residents?" 

Fu's suggestion resonated with Li. She believed that as people age, life can become monotonous and lonely. Handicrafts like paper-cutting can significantly improve hand-eye coordination in seniors. Moreover, establishing a workshop would help preserve cultural heritage and fulfill her long-time dream.

Soon, the community allocated a classroom for the workshop. Li rallied her friends from the paper-cutting class, and together, they set up a beautiful cultural heritage studio. The workshop quickly attracted other community residents, growing from a handful of members to over a dozen, aged between 56 and 75. Most of the time, they worked together in the studio, taking unfinished work home to complete.

"This year, each of us has completed more than two albums of work," Li said. She feels that learning cultural heritage crafts enriches her retirement and satisfies her life. 

The workshop organizes various themed activities every month. Members apply their paper-cutting skills to fans and clothing and create handmade flowers and bags. During festivals, they bring their "holiday special" creations to community events. Some primary schools in the city recently invited the workshop members to regularly conduct cultural heritage activities.

Handicrafts made by seniors in Guyuan, Ningxia. [Photo/xuexi.cn]