Full coverage: 2017 Spring Festival

The light brings this rooster to life.

Zhang Xiaolin, the man behind the world's largest set of paper-cut creations, is especially proud of this year's rooster. Part of this year's batch of his new work.

The plumage comes in the lucky numbers of sixes and eights, with signs portraying ancient longevity taking center stage. And, China's national flower, the peony, is here to symbolize riches and honor and complements the myriad good omens the rooster stands for.

"Roosters have a strong connotation with prosperity in the Chinese culture. Their crowing is believed to dispel darkness and all things negative. Roosters are famous for their fighting spirit. And, their figures are often used as guardians of a household," said Zhang Xiaolin, Beijing paper-cutting artisan.

Zhang says:"Beijing-style paper cut creations are particularly beloved because of their association with the capital's royal history. Their red patterns are popular across China and are a must-have decoration in a new year household."

Paper-cutting has been popular throughout China ever since we had paper. The tools are easy to get, and the subjects are easy to find. We rever the color red. And we all need to place our hope in something.

This is what we all want for the Chinese New Year. And here is a trick. Hang this upside down. And good fortune will fall on you.

And if you do believe in the magic power of paper-cutting, then the best time to welcome home these pieces of art, is January 25th, on the lunar calendar.
Sun Ye, CGTN, Beijing.