A Yantai paper-cutting exhibition was held on Jan 10 in Zrenjanin, Serbia. 

Distinguished guests, including Zrenjanin's assistant mayor, the director of the Zrenjanin City Museum, and representatives from various cultural and corporate sectors like Linglong Tire's Serbian subsidiary, attended the event.

Yantai and Zrenjanin are sister cities.

Organized by the Information Office of Yantai Municipal People's Government and the CICG Academy of Translation and Interpretation, the event featured a comprehensive introduction to the rich history and cultural significance of Yantai paper-cutting.

This art form, recognized by UNESCO as part of the intangible cultural heritage of humanity, is revered not only for its aesthetic appeal but also for its role in symbolizing communal aspirations and dreams.

Participants engage in Yantai paper-cutting promotional video. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

A highlight of the event was a presentation by Liang Qiaoyan, a nationally acclaimed Yantai paper-cutting expert, who shared about the historical and symbolic dimensions of Chinese paper-cutting, focusing particularly on Yantai's unique style. Participants also took part in a hands-on session and learned to craft traditional papercut lanterns, an emblem of prosperity and harmony in Chinese tradition.

This interactive part of the exhibition allowed attendees to not only observe the exquisite artistry of Yantai paper-cutting but also to create their own red lanterns.

The organizers stated that this event marks the start of ongoing cultural exchanges aimed at strengthening the ties and cooperation between Yantai and Zrenjanin. Plans are in place to hold more events in the future to foster cultural understanding between the residents of both cities.

The head of the Zrenjanin City Museum expressed eagerness to organize larger Yantai paper-cutting exhibitions and workshops to enhance mutual comprehension.