Traditional strokes, contemporary canvas By YAN DONGJIE | China Daily | Updated: 2026-02-16 08:55

https://www.chinadaily.com.cn/a/202602/16/WS69926afaa310d6866eb3970b.html Originating in the late Ming Dynasty (1368-1644), the Yangliuqing New Year painting is a core northern woodblock printing tradition with nearly 400 years of history. Its subjects include door gods, folk life, folk opera characters, classical stories, and floral and landscape motifs, reflecting both reality and ideals. The production process — outline, carving, printing, and painting — is intricate and highly standardized, earning it the reputation of "China's premier New Year painting". Listed as a national intangible cultural heritage in 2006, the craft now extends beyond paper, appearing in city marathons, international summits, interactive exhibits, and crossovers with cultural products, games, and beverage packaging, bringing traditional artistry to contemporary life.