Paris, a city known for its rich art history and abundant museums, has once again proven itself as a cultural hotspot. However, this time, the spotlight fell on a lesser-known aspect of artistic tradition through an exhibition showcasing Chinese intangible cultural heritage.

The Carrousel du Louvre played host to a mesmerizing display that not only featured contemporary paintings but also highlighted the art of papercutting, Yi dance, Ru kiln ceramics, Sichuan brocade and Suzhou embroidery.

"We brought these Chinese artworks to the people because we wanted to find friendship and cooperation through art. We hope that this exhibition will demonstrate Chinese culture to European people," said Wang Yanting, president of the Caofeidian Vocational and Technical College, who brought the art pieces to the exhibition.

The traditional dance of the Yi people, which has endured for over two millennia, was a particularly powerful and magnetic attraction at the exhibition.

You Jinliang, the founder and president of Shenzhen Yi Dance Culture Research Institute explained: "Yi dance is a symbol of ritual and musical civilization, a symbol of the Chinese culture of courtesy, and is one of the most precious spiritual treasures of our human civilization. We have brought Yi dance to France in the hope that all human beings, modern human beings, will embrace this wisdom of ancient times."

Among the talented artists present at the exhibition, Li Kemin stood out as a representative of a long line of Ru Kiln craftspeople. This exquisite and rare style of Chinese porcelain, distinguished by its duck-egg blue glaze, was highly prized by collectors but remained relatively unknown to the wider public.

"As an inheritor of Ru porcelain, I have the responsibility of passing on this tradition, not only in China, but on a larger scale, like here today in Paris, to bring Chinese porcelain to the global stage,” Li said.

Connecting ancient civilization with the modern world was also a key objective of Ya Ding, the president of the Association for the Development of France-China Exchange. Ya has been introducing interactive experiences to thousands of children in a bid to foster young talent and promote a deeper understanding of Chinese art and craftsmanship.

"Famous painters are asked to make an unfinished painting and then we call on children all over the world to complete it. It's a co-creational game," Ya explained.

Of course, no exhibition celebrating Chinese artistry would be complete without featuring one of its most distinctive visual arts – papercutting. With a history dating back over 1,600 years, this delicate art form continues to adorn homes and serve as cherished gifts.

Tan Qing, a paper-cutting artist elaborated: "For me, no matter how well a work is done, it’s just a technique. Only when it’s infused with culture, it becomes a piece of art. Through papercutting, we open the door to intangible heritage and Chinese traditional culture."

Excitingly, another exhibition showcasing Chinese art and craftsmanship is scheduled to take place in Paris in November, further fostering cultural exchanges and understanding between France and China.