The history of paper-making dates back millenniums, from the papyrus utilised in ancient Egypt and the Nile River Valley in 3000 BC, to the plant fibre “paper” used during the Western Han Dynasty in China and the subsequent invention of paper by Cai Lun in the Eastern Han Dynasty. This long history has spawned an endless list of possibilities in how paper art takes its form, ranging from two- or three-dimensional cutting, origami (folding), and tearing, to crafting paper-cut silhouettes and paper installations. Specifically, the traditional art of paper cutting is a craft which combines together the aesthetic beauties of painting and sculpting on a single piece of paper. By employing the methods of slicing, cutting, folding, rolling, stacking, glueing and more, the initially two-dimensional piece of paper is able to cross the bridge and be transformed into a three-dimensional piece of artwork, opening the door to limitless creative possibilities and its widespread use in scene decorations.

To welcome the approaching Year of the Rabbit and support local arts and crafts, Lee Gardens has joined hands with Ming-hang Lau, the “godfather” of traditional paper art, designing a series of unique, festive, and modern paper New Year paper art installations for the “Unfold Your Aesthetic Stories” Lee Gardens Lunar New Year Installation. Spread good tidings and wishes online and offline, embrace the holiday spirit, and ring in a New Year of fortune, riches, and happiness at Lee Gardens! Find out more about the three New Year paper art installations below, and bring your family and friends along for a visit!

【Paper Art Pavilion】

At Hysan Place, artist Ming-hang Lau has meticulously created nearly 300 pieces of paper-cut ornaments to welcome the Year of the Rabbit, with gold, silver, and red as the primary colour tones. In the pavilion's art tunnel, immerse yourself in the enchanting and exquisite world of paper-cutting art, not to mention experiencing 360-degree CNY Videography and participating in E-Greeting Card Making, both of which merges the traditional New Year culture with the latest technologies!


For Lee Gardens Club members, use your points to redeem two additional experiences, including capturing a video of yourself amidst a cloud of Lunar New Year paper art and lighting up firecrackers to drive away the monster "Nian,” and participating in making E-Greeting Cards for friends and family. Make this New Year extra special with these digitised traditional Chinese crafts!

【Lucky Rabbit Wonderland of Art】

Located at Lee Garden One, the “Lucky Rabbit Wonderland of Art” propels the New Year festivities at the Lee Gardens area to new levels with its elegantly designed ribbons of auspiciousness woven into the shapes of lively rabbits. Look closely at the stories marked on the rabbits, and you will find a range of neatly and delicately prepared paper-cut patterns that tells the origins of the New Year tradition 「福到」, or “the arrival of blessings,” a custom passed down from the Ming Dynasty to the present day. We here at Hysan send you our sincerest blessings, with our lucky rabbits wishing you good luck in the year ahead!

【Spring Golden Gates of Golden Times】

This Lunar New Year, Lee Theatre Plaza celebrates the theme of "Spring Golden Gates of Golden Times." Its iconic vault will be decorated with newly-interpreted auspicious patterns of soaring dragons in clouds, symbolising clear skies and smooth rides in the Year of the Rabbit. Furthermore, the powerful and awe-inspiring couplets on both sides of the plaza write of how Lee Theatre Plaza attracts people from across the nation with its splendid shows and stunning orchestral performances. We wish to convey our best New Year wishes to all Hong Kong citizens with these classically elegant, yet unmistakably majestic decorations.

Apart from the plethora of New Year shopping and dining offers with "Unfold Your Aesthetic Stories" at Lee Gardens, the online "hy! CNY Festive” also provides you with everything you need for the New Year, including bespoke gift boxes, feast supplies and household furniture. Furthermore, there are also tailor-made lucky bags, poon choi delivery services and limited discounts on offer, ensuring a happy start to the New Year for all.

【Ming-hang Lau: The “Godfather” of Traditional Paper Art】

A contemporary paper-cutting artist, Lau has had years of experience designing stage sets, lighting equipment, and props for multiple groups in Hong Kong. Moreover, his three-dimensional paper art has been displayed in numerous Hong Kong and Tai Wan exhibitions, with his innovative artwork often breaking the existing public perception of the art of paper-cutting. Cutting strikingly magnificent lines with his meticulous knifework, Lau blends traditional techniques and modern aesthetic beauty, transforming this traditional ancient folk art into a rich and diverse craft form.