There are many papercut schools in China, each with its own unique characteristics. In northwest China, papercuts are yet bold. Along coastal areas papercuts tend to be more exquisite and fine. Weixian County papercuts are dyed and therefore more colorful. Dyed papercuts, always abundant during Spring Festival, feature themes of harvesting, animal raising, happiness, and longevity. Miao papercuts from Guizhou Province feature embroidery(刺绣) patterns depicting fairy tales and local customs.
Papercut designs are often derived from figures found on ancient pottery (陶器) and rock paintings. Papercuts often resemble frogs, snakes, fish, birds, dragons, and gods of the ancients. Papercuts tend to be very symbolic. Papercut tigers implicate longevity in Chinese culture. Trees and deer heads symbolize continuity(恒久). To express wishes for children, papercuts are made to resemble fish, lotus flowers(荷花), gourds(葫芦), dragons, and phoenixes(凤凰).
Papercuts are most popular in northern China, where they are often put on windows, doors, ceilings, and in bridal chambers. Papercuts were originally considered a woman"s art. In many Chinese rural villages, girls have to learn papercutting at a young age. Some say that a girl"s papercutting ability is a yardstick for her intelce. In daily life, the girls express their sentiments and imaginations through their papercuts.