Around a dozen foreigners from the US, Japan, ROK and elsewhere were picking up a pair of scissors and some paper as they began their paper cutting lesson in the city of Gongzhuling, Jilin province, with one Nepali guest commenting, "I've seen paper-cutting before, but had no idea it was so hard."

He explained that he wanted to learn more than just paper cutting and wanted insights into the culture behind it, which is the goal of the sponsors -- the Jilin government, a local education dept, and the local friendship with foreign countries association – who like to tell foreigners stories about Jilin so they can better understand it and grow to like it, so that Jilin can get more publicity worldwide.

These foreigners were getting their paper cutting training from a recognized expert, Yan Xueling, who models her work on Shaman culture. Yan taught foreigners how to cut a mouse head, which heralds healthy children and blessings. Two of the Korean visitors created their work based on the romantic legend of Niulang and Vega, while a Kenyan friend based her work on the Changbai Mountains.