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Festive paper

Mianzhu, in Sichuan province, is known for its high-quality bamboo, an ideal material for papermaking. Its proximity to Chengdu, historically a major center of engraved block printing, helped turn the city into a thriving hub of woodblock nianhua (New Year paintings) from the Song Dynasty (960-1279) onward. Ying Chun ("welcome spring"), an ongoing exhibition at the Chinese Traditional Culture Museum through March 20, brings to the Beijing audience a selection of Mianzhu New Year paintings. The works highlight themes of blessings, auspiciousness, longevity, and harmony to celebrate the arrival of Spring Festival and the Year of the Horse. The show reveals the many production stages and delicate hand-coloring techniques, particularly the use of gold, bringing to life motifs such as door gods, opera scenes, landscapes, elegant women, and playful children.

9 am-5 pm, closed on Mondays. 16 Hujing East Road, Chaoyang district, Beijing. 010-8799-1766.