As the Chinese animated film Ne Zha 2 continues to break box office records, Liang Shaohua, a member of the Xi'an Intangible Cultural Heritage Protection Association, has gained widespread recognition online for his Nezha paper-cuttings.

A Nezha-themed paper-cutting by Liang Shaohua. [Photo/Xi'an Daily]

Inspired by the film's characters, Liang combines traditional paper-cutting techniques with modern aesthetics, bringing the fearless Nezha and the graceful Aobing to life on paper. His work blends heritage with contemporary trends, making traditional art more relatable to today's audiences.

"I started creating paper-cut versions of Nezha in 2019 when Ne Zha: Birth of the Demon Child became a sensation," said Liang while showcasing his work. "The Nezha films and intangible cultural heritage share the essence of Chinese tradition. As a young artist passionate about preserving our heritage, I felt compelled to merge classic paper-cutting with this popular character."

Liang's Nezha paper-cuttings retain the intricate beauty of traditional techniques while incorporating elements of painting and sculpture to enhance depth and detail — even individual strands of hair are finely crafted.

Beyond Nezha, Liang has created paper-cut works featuring other animated figures, such as Bing Dwen Dwen, the Beijing Winter Olympic Games mascot. His art breathes new life into paper-cutting and introduces its modern appeal to wider audiences through cultural heritage events.

"In today's fast-paced world, tradition needs innovation," Liang said. "The success of the Nezha films lies in their ability to modernize classic stories. I hope my work can bring traditional culture into a new light and inspire more young people to explore it."