Qingdao in East China's Shandong province held a cultural event in Regensburg, Germany on Dec 2 to promote the traditional Chinese art form of paper cutting.

Nearly 100 representatives from Regensburg's political, tourism, cultural, media, business and overseas Chinese sectors attended the event.

Representatives attending the event pose for a photo with paper cutting works. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

A video introducing Qingdao's paper cutting art was played during the activity, and 100 paper cutting works were displayed in the exhibition hall, demonstrating the unique charm of Qingdao's intangible cultural heritage products to the Regensburg community.

Additionally, there were folk artists teaching paper-cutting, attracting locals to the event to cut out their preferred patterns.

"This year marks the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between China and Germany, as well as the 13th anniversary of the friendly and cooperative relations between Qingdao and Regensburg," said Xu Shucheng, deputy director of Qingdao Municipal Publicity Department, in his video speech.

Xu expressed hope that Qingdao and Regensburg will further deepen cultural exchanges and enhance friendship by hosting a wide range of activities based on friendly exchanges.

Visitors have a look at the paper cutting works exhibited at the event. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

"Since the signing of the sister city agreement between Regensburg and Qingdao, the two sides have established close ties in various fields such as the economy, health and education. Through the event, people in Regensburg can learn about the process of paper cutting and better understand Chinese culture," said Lautenschlager, director of the Economic Promotion Bureau of Regensburg.

Present throughout China and in various ethnic groups, paper cutting is a popular art that can be integrated into everyday life. It has gained much attention in recent decades, and was included on the UNESCO world intangible cultural heritage list in 2009.

Regensburg residents try their hands at making paper cutting works. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]