Jiao Wenjun shows one of his paper-cuts to visitors in Beijing, Aug 18, 2018. [Photo by Wang Qiao/chinadaily.com.cn]

Twenty enthusiasts of traditional Chinese paper-cutting (or jianzhi 剪纸) worked under the wing of Beijing-based master Jiao Wenjun in Beijing on Saturday.

Jiao, an 87-year-old retired military veteran, is a paper-cutting star in Beijing. While his incredibly intricate, lace-like works often deal with contemporary topics, his style and aesthetics are rooted in his attachment to the country.

Taking up the craft as a hobby, he received his first paper-cutting prize in the army in the 1950s. After retirement he began voluntarily teaching paper-cutting to those who were interested, attracting people from all walks of life, from primary school students to civil officials.

One of Jiao Wenjun's paper-cutting works for the 2008 Beijing Olympics featured the event's mascots, "Fuwa". [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

In 2008, when the Olympic Games were held in Bejing, he and 40 of his students cut out a piece that was 20.08 meters long to express their support and affection for the event.

An estimated 20,000 people have learned paper-cutting from him in the past 10 years. His workshops have recognized for their excellence with a service award.