Paper was invented in 105 AD by Ts’ai Lun, a Chinese from the Eastern Han Dynasty. During the Tang dynasty, bamboo and xuan paper was produced. Xuan paper is popularly used in Chinese paintings and calligraphy.

Several centuries ago Chinese crafts and arts emerged and these portrayed themes on natural environment and landscape. They signify simplicity and harmony of people with nature. Paper is one of the most celebrated medium used in their crafts since the Chinese discovered paper.

Some of the Chinese paper crafts include: Chinese paper cutting (Scissor-cuts), Chinese lanterns, and Chinese modular paper folds. Chinese paper cuts originated in Nambeichao dynasty. It is traditional and became the main art form in China. Most Chinese paper cut artists are women. These papercuts are sculptured through the use primarily of razor sharp knives and later on the use of scissors. The artists show their talented hands with complicated cut patterns. Most paper cuts in China reveal single color design although in other regions certain styles are developed. These paper cuts can be displayed in walls or suspended in windows as decors.

Chinese lanterns are also another paper craft. It basically consists of a frame, an overlay, and the light. Usually the lantern frame is made of bamboo with paper to disperse light. These lanterns are mostly used as decors for ceremonial reasons and have widely spread around the world as festive and colorful decorations.

Chinese modular paper folds are origami type and create certain figures which are considered to bring luck and prosperity. Some of the models include money boats, swan, and pineapple figures. These craft uses Chinese bills to create the models or figures and serves as wedding gifts or decors.