Qi showed the kids the detailed techniques for cutting certain patterns.

"The art is full of vitality and creativity. You can cut anything you like with your paper and scissors," said Qi.

"But you need to master several basic skills before you can cut what you want."

About 30 children took part in the paper-cutting class, all fascinated by the ancient cultural legacy.

"I've participated in the intangible culture heritage classroom several times. The class offers an opportunity to learn and experience our country's excellent traditional culture," said Shen Wenle, a fifth-grader from Minghu Elementary School.

Organized by the Shandong Intangible Cultural Heritage Protection Center, the classroom has been open every Saturday since March 4 in a bid to introduce and teach the province's intangible cultural heritages to kids.

Every course is taught by a State or provincial level intangible cultural inheritor and children between 6 and 12 can sign up for the classes.

Qi Xiuhong, a folk artist of Gaomi paper cutting, demonstrates cutting skills to children on May 13 at the Shandong Provincial Cultural Center. [Photo/sdpc.cn]