Huang Haitao, an art teacher in southern China's Hainan Province, is pictured with her paper cuttings representing China's 56 ethnic groups. The cuttings show people dressed in traditional clothes unique to the different ethnic groups against a background portraying the iconic landscapes or architecture of their regions. (Photos: VCG)

Huang Haitao collaborated on the paper cuttings with a friend. Their creations took three years to complete, and were done just in time to mark the 70th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China on October 1.

Paper cutting is a traditional handicraft that takes skill, patience, and a steady hand. Huang Haitao said a lot of research was needed to find the best way to represent the distinctive cultures of each of the 56 ethnic groups.