Huanma paper-cutting is a folk art that originated and is popular in Huanma town, Cangxi county, Southwest China's Sichuan province.

Local residents of Huanma town learn about paper-cutting art. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

It is reported that 8,500 of the 12,000 people in the town have mastered paper-cutting skills. They usually make colorful paper-cutting works during Spring Festival to express their wishes for an auspicious new year. Before getting married or after baby's birth, they often adorn rooms with paper-cuttings as a token of love.

A piece of Huanma paper-cutting work [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

According to legend, Zhang Fei, general of the Shu Kingdom (907-925), once lost his horse while being absorbed in watching a village girl paper-cutting art. He then whistled to the horse to come back. At that time, artists recorded this story using paper-cutting and shadow plays.

A piece of Huanma paper-cutting work [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

At present, the time-honored art has brought many business opportunities to the local people. More than 10 folk artists have developed businesses, turning artistic works into commodities, which has become a good way to generate income.

Huanma town has been awarded the by the Ministry of Culture as the "Hometown of Chinese Folk Art (Paper-cut)" and the "Hometown of Chinese Folk Culture and Art".