Visit the Craftsmanship of Xuan Paper Making: See the 'Ink Charm in Myriad Changes, Paper Lasts a Thousand Years' Production Workshop for Three-Zhang-Three Giant Xuan Paper

Xuan paper originated in the Tang Dynasty, produced in Jing County, Xuancheng City, Anhui Province, and has been passed down for over 1,200 years. As a representative of Chinese papermaking, it is a precious cultural heritage of the Chinese nation. The craftsmanship of Xuan paper making was included in the first batch of national intangible cultural heritage in 2006, and was inscribed on the UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2009. At the opening ceremony of the 2008 Beijing Olympics, a piece of paper (Xuan paper) slowly unfolding with the rhythm of music became the most ingenious concept of the ceremony.

Xuan Paper Craft Experience Park

Explore the making of Xuan paper, experience the charm of Xuan paper

It is the highest quality of Red Star Xuan paper.

Xuan paper undergoes more than a hundred processes. Among them, pulp scooping is one of the most delicate steps in handmade papermaking. The evenness of the paper's thickness depends entirely on the skill of the pulp scooping artisan, which cannot be mastered in a short time. When making large sheets, it requires tacit cooperation and unity of spirit among multiple people.

Xuan paper's raw materials are unique: only the bark of the wingceltis (tanpi) and rice straw from Jing County and its surrounding areas can be used. The water quality requirements are high, and the regional characteristics are distinct, making it a typical product of geographical indication. The raw materials undergo multiple rounds of processing, exposed to the sun and rain for natural bleaching, taking about three years.

At the same time, due to the unique raw materials and processing methods that do not damage the fibers, Xuan paper is known as the 'thousand-year paper' that does not rot or be damaged by insects over long-term preservation. It is the best medium for painting and calligraphy creation as well as printing of classics. Because of its unique materials and production methods, Xuan paper has served the art of calligraphy and painting since its inception. With the artist's skillful brush, on a piece of pure white Xuan paper, 'ink can be divided into five shades,' embodying the 'exquisite flavor' of Chinese painting and calligraphy.