Li Wen, a paper-cutting artist from Lingbi county, east China’s An hui Province, has devoted     1     (her) to the artform for 17 years.

In 2005, Li     2     (study) oil painting at school when she saw wedding paper-cutting works posted on the windows of her neighbor’s house and was     3     (immediate) impressed by the craft (手艺), as well as the lifelike images on them. Since then, Li     4     (throw) herself into learning the craft wholeheartedly.

Li always brings scissors and paper with her whenever she goes, and has created paper-cutting works covering     5     wide range of themes. In addition to exploring     6     (tradition) patterns of paper-cutting works and learning various expressive techniques, Li has also improved her skills by frequently learning the craft from skilled     7     (artist). Li pays attention     8     every detail when she makes her paper-cutting works, and puts great passion and energy into all of them. As a result, she makes very few mistakes when     9     (create) paper-cutting works.

Li’s passion for the art has helped her go far. She has been awarded several titles, such as “Master in Arts and Crafts” of Suzhou city,     10     is a great honour for her.

The 24 solar terms originated and were first used in China. They were created thousands of years ago     1     the basis of practical needs of agriculture. Ancient Chinese people used them     2     (guide) agriculture production, special climate signs     3     even healthy living tips. In 2016, the 24 solar terms     4     (add) to UNESCO’s World Cultural Heritage List. Now, they have been brought to life thanks to a creative designer from Guizhou Province.

On the eve of this year’s Qingming Festival, Shi Changhong released his version of re-produced and packaged characters for each solar term in     5     form of “moving art” of gifts. Since their first release on March 29, the gifts     6     (win) great praise among the general public.

“The 24 solar terms are a deeply rooted concept that covers Chinese     7     (wise) My intention is to increase Chinese people’s self-awareness of learning     8     (much) about our fine traditional culture than ever.     9     (actual), the 24 solar terms work is only a part of my whole design program ‘Charm China’,     10     I started over a year ago,” Shi told China Daily.

Take a walk down a street in China, especially around the Chinese New Year. Then you’ll see beautiful hand-made sugar paintings on a stick for sale. This traditional Chinese folk art dates back     1     the Ming Dynasty(1368-1644).

It doesn’t take much equipment to sugar paint.     2     (make) such an artwork, the artisan (工匠) scoops (舀) up the melted sugar and forms designs on the metal. Then, before the liquid sugar becomes hard, a wooden stick     3     (place) in the middle to turn it into a lollipop (棒棒糖) to be separated from the metal.

I can     4     (honest) say I haven’t seen many people eat their sugar paintings. Perhaps it’s because they’re works of art for our     5     (admire). Perhaps because we have so much access to     6     (taste) sugary food, the taste of sugar paintings no longer excites us. But during the Ming Dynasty, only     7     rich and powerful could afford them. During the Qing Dynasty, sugar paintings were created freehand and     8     (develop) since.

This art form is a part of Chinese history and proof of its people’s creativity. Sugar painters are invited to take part in cultural events both within China and abroad. Online, there are even toys     9     (create) for kids like a 3D pen, so that anyone     10     is interested can have a try. After all, you’re combining a delicious treat and art.