Students from Jiangsu Shaxi Senior High School set up a papercutting exhibition booth during the 2026 ISF Football World Cup. [Photo/WeChat account: tcsrmtzx]

Traditional Chinese papercutting took the spotlight at the opening ceremony of the 2026 ISF Football World Cup in Suzhou on Oct 18, with a workshop hosted by Jiangsu Shaxi Senior High School introducing international guests to the centuries-old folk art.

Held at Suzhou Sports Centre until Oct 25, the tournament was organized by the International School Sport Federation (ISF). It brought together 51 teams from 31 countries and regions, with nearly 170 matches played across 17 pitches.

Players participating in the soccer tournament try their hand at paper cutting. [Photo/WeChat account: tcsrmtzx]

At the paper-cutting workshop, student volunteers welcomed visitors and explained the craft as they demonstrated how a single sheet of red paper could be transformed into intricate designs. Floral patterns, traditional window decorations and motifs inspired by the water towns of Jiangnan gradually took shape under their scissors.

The students also presented their finished works to international guests, offering them a hands-on introduction to Chinese folk art. The exchange gave visitors a chance to appreciate the skill and cultural significance of paper-cutting, transcending language barriers.