Photo: Courtesy of the Network of International Culturalink Entities

An exhibition of nianhua - or Chinese New Year paintings - a traditional art form that Chinese families have used to celebrate the Spring Festival, is now on display in Chinatown in Portland, the US.

The opening ceremony of the Chinese New Year Exhibition -  an art project between the China Artists Association, Network of International Culturalink Entities in China and the Lansu Chinese Garden in the US - was held on Friday in Lansu Chinese Garden, an authentic botanical Chinese garden in Portland.

The ceremony was attended by both Chinese and US officials and representatives.

A total of 40 paintings are now on display. Telling stories about Chinese folklore, Chinese New Year paintings were originally created by Chinese people to paste on their doors during the Spring Festival season to help enhance the festival atmosphere and to seek good luck in the coming year.

Among the highlights are 400-year-old Taohuawu woodcut Spring Festival prints, which have been popular since the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) in the area of Suzhou, East China's Jiangsu Province. 

Photo: Courtesy of the Network of International Culturalink Entities

Known as one of China's top five most famous nianhua styles, Taohuawu woodcut Spring Festival prints stand out for their exquisite carvings and flamboyant colors. 

Yangliuqing woodcut Spring Festival prints, another famous style that originated from Tianjin, also allows visitors to try a hand in making a print themselves at the exhibition.  

From the Ming Dynasty, Yangliuqing woodcut prints have a history of over four centuries. The prints are known for their delicate engraving and fine patterns.

Through various topics such as "the Chinese zodiac," "rural charm," and "harmonious nature," visitors in Portland will be able to immerse themselves in the ancient art form while understanding how it is being innovated upon in modern times. 

In addition, interactive activities involving Suzhou embroidery and an "Auspicious Chinese Dragon" stamp collection are also being held during the exhibition, while other cultural and creative products are being sold as well.

Portland and Suzhou established a sister-city relationship in 1998 to enhance the cooperation and exchanges in areas such as culture, art, education and trade.