On Chinese New Year's Eve in 2026, the scene of crafting the "King of Paper"—the "Three-Zhang-Three" Xuan paper—was spectacularly presented live at the CCTV Spring Festival Gala. Amidst resonant chants, 44 paper-makers worked in unison to lift a giant sheet of snow-white Xuan paper, forming a vivid tableau of a "landscape in ink and wash." This moment allowed hundreds of millions of viewers worldwide to witness the timeless allure of the "Millennium Paper" and the unique charm of China's "Four Treasures of the Study."

During the Spring Festival holiday this year, the China Xuan Paper Town in Jingxian County welcomed 33,000 visitors, an increase of 11,000 compared to last year. Following the footsteps of the Spring Festival Gala, tourists immersed themselves in the live experience of crafting the "Three-Zhang-Three" giant Xuan paper and explored the intangible cultural heritage of this craft.

"A single sheet of paper requires over a hundred processes and even involves considerations of its production year—it’s truly breathtaking," said Li Mei, a tourist from Guizhou, after visiting the Xuan Paper Town and witnessing the "Three-Zhang-Three" Xuan paper workshop. She was deeply moved and marveled at this "world's largest paper."

With brush, ink, paper, and inkstone all thriving in one place, this is Xuancheng—the only city in China honored as the "Home of the Four Treasures of the Study."

The brush dances across the paper like drifting clouds and smoke—Chinese calligraphy and painting are inseparable from Xuan paper. Countless celebrated literary works and historical records owe their "eternal preservation" to the enduring quality of Xuan paper. As the birthplace of Xuan paper, Jingxian County is endowed with unique geographical conditions. Located along the southern edge of the mid-latitude zone, the region enjoys a mild climate, abundant rainfall, high-quality water with suitable pH levels, and is home to abundant paddy straw and wingceltis (Pteroceltis tatarinowii)—essential raw materials for producing premium Xuan paper. Since the Tang Dynasty, Xuan paper has been renowned for its soft yet durable texture, jade-like smoothness, resistance to insects and decay, and remarkable ink expression.

How have the four treasures of the study—Xuan brushes, Hui ink, Xuan paper, and Xuan inkstones—withstood the passage of time, continuing to flourish and be passed down through generations?

The key factors lie in the steadfast adherence to ancient craftsmanship, a relentless pursuit of quality, and an enduring dedication rooted in the original aspirations of the artisans.

Such is the case with Xuan paper, and equally true for Xuan brushes, Hui ink, and Xuan inkstones. 

The preservation and commitment to these traditional crafts have collectively forged the very essence of Chinese culture. To date, Xuancheng is home to 377 enterprises dedicated to producing the four treasures of the study, employing over 30,000 people directly and indirectly in the industry, with an annual revenue of nearly 2 billion yuan.

If "the Four Treasures of the Study + film and television" has enabled their instant rise to fame, then "the Four Treasures of the Study + creativity" is the key to sustaining their popularity.

"We are focusing on building the brand of 'Beautiful Scroll on Xuan Paper' and continuously promoting the cross-border innovation of these ancient treasures. This has initially transformed 'a brush, some ink, a sheet of paper, and an inkstone' from standalone products into an integrated, all-scenario business format—making them a trendy cultural creative product and a cultural tourism experience that integrates into people's daily lives," said a representative from the Xuancheng municipal government.

Source: Anhui Daily