Foshan paper-cut is an ancient folk art of Han nationality, starting to spread in Song Dynasty and prevailing in Ming and Qing Dynasties. The style is magnificent vigorous and unadorned, the structure is majestic and unrestrained, and the colors are grandiloquent and splendid. Materials are combined with and technique of expression subtly, which presents distinctive local characteristics.

Main subjects of traditional Foshan paper-cut are concerned with mythology, celestial, historical stories flowers and animals. In addition to various subjects, its production materials and categories are very numerous, divided into solid color, interlining material, writing material, and copper chisel paper-cut, most of which imply auspiciousness, exorcism, luck and fortune. People like to post them at home.

As for creative approaches, Foshan paper-cut, if interpreted strictly, is actually  "engraved paper", that is, patterns or images are engraved by gravers instead of scissors. This improvement satisfies the needs of mass production with advantages that a plurality of paper-cut patterns can be processed a time and paper-cut process is also improved, so that lines of Foshan paper-cut are sleek and exquisite.

The most characteristic Foshan paper-cut is the use of copper and silver foil instead of "paper" for carving, cutting, chiseling, lining, drawing and other crafts, with a variety of colored paper foiled and patterns painted, which is copper lining, copper chisel, and copper writing paper-cut with magnificence, eye-catching colors and strong regional characteristics.

Subjected to the impact of the Cultural Revolution and the tide of reform and opening up, Foshan paper-cut was once in danger of disappearing. Fortunately, a large number of outstanding paper-cut artists, such as Chen Yongcai, He Yan, Deng Yanping, Rao Baolian, who inherit the cause of the older generation and sway their youths on paper-cut cultural heritage. This spirit is just the reason why Foshan paper-cut and other intangible cultural heritages can be still maintained.