Manchu Paper Pinching Art Class in Shenyang
You shape intricate 3D patterns from flat paper using only your hands, no scissors required.
A two-hour hands-on workshop in Shenyang where you learn Manchu paper pinching art, an intangible cultural heritage craft, from a skilled artisan. You create your own 3D paper artwork step by step and take it home. All materials are provided. The workshop includes a cultural introduction to Manchu heritage and the Qing Dynasty, and ends near Liaoning Provincial Museum, which you can visit afterward at no cost. English and Chinese guides are available, and children from age one are welcome.
The experience
What does it take to turn a flat sheet of paper into a three-dimensional pattern without cutting or folding? The answer is Manchu paper pinching art, a centuries-old craft that survives as a "living fossil" of Manchu culture. In this two-hour workshop in Shenyang, you'll learn the hand techniques that artisans have passed down through generations, starting with a short introduction to Manchu heritage and its place in the history of the Qing Dynasty. Your host demonstrates how the patterns come together, then you work through your own piece step by step: no prior experience needed.
The workshop provides all materials, and by the end you'll have a handmade souvenir in a bag to take with you. The class wraps up near Liaoning Provincial Museum, where you're free to explore its collection of Chinese art and historical artifacts afterward. Museum entry is free. A live guide leads the session in English or Chinese, and the space is wheelchair accessible. Children from age one can participate when accompanied by an adult.
What’s included
- All craft materials needed for the workshop.
- a cultural introduction to Manchu heritage and the Qing Dynasty.
- hands-on instruction from a skilled artisan.
- your finished handmade artwork in a bag to take home.
Before you book
Prices and times updated 3 days ago
Operated by Good Tour in North China
Is this one for you?Two hours is enough to learn the basics and complete one piece, leaving the rest of your day free to explore Shenyang or visit the nearby museum. If you're looking for a deeper dive into the craft, this is an introduction rather than an advanced class.
Top questions
What languages is the tour guided in?
Live guide in English and Chinese.
Can children come?
Yes. Ticket types: Child (1 to 17 years).
What exactly is Manchu paper pinching art and how is it different from other paper crafts?
Manchu paper pinching art is a traditional craft that transforms flat paper into intricate 3D patterns using only your hands: no scissors, folding or cutting involved. Known as a "living fossil" of Manchu culture, it carries the artistic heritage and techniques of the Manchu people and was historically practiced during the Qing Dynasty.
Do I need any experience or special skills to make something in the workshop?
No experience is required. The artisan demonstrates the techniques first, then guides you through creating your own piece step by step during the hands-on portion of the class.
What happens to the artwork I make? Do I get to keep it?
Yes, you take your handmade artwork home with you in a bag provided at the end of the workshop. It serves as a souvenir of your time learning this traditional Manchu craft.
Is there anything to do after the workshop ends?
The workshop concludes near Liaoning Provincial Museum, which you're welcome to visit on your own. Museum entry is free, and it holds a rich collection of Chinese art and historical treasures related to the region's heritage.
Manchu Paper Pinching Art Class in Shenyang
2h · EN +1
from US$ 80 per person