Zhan Dongming, a Jinhua paper-cutting artist, works on his pieces. [Photo/Tide News]

As the 2026 FIFA World Cup unfolds, Zhan Dongming celebrates the timeless spirit of sports through his intricate Jinhua paper-cuttings, a Zhejiang intangible cultural heritage.

At the Jinhua Paper-Cutting Museum, Zhan's World Cup-themed paper-cuttings captivate visitors, with the 2026 World Cup mascots — Maple the moose, Zayu the jaguar, and Clutch the bald eagle — springing to life on paper.

Zhan skillfully blends Eastern and Western elements, merging mascots, soccer balls, and the World Cup trophy with traditional Chinese motifs like auspicious clouds, showcasing his creative ingenuity.

Zhan's World Cup-themed paper-cutting work. [Photo/Tide News]

Zhan's phone holds a treasured folder of World Cup mascot paper-cut designs, capturing every mascot since 1966. This collection chronicles over half a century of World Cup history, embodying his enduring passion.

From a young age, Zhan loved athletics and international sports events. In 1970, at just 12, he discovered the World Cup's allure through magazines, as TV was scarce in China. His strong drawing skills and paper-cutting expertise led him to create his first World Cup-themed piece, a cutting of the 1970 World Cup mascot.

Since then, Zhan has made it a tradition to create paper cuttings for each World Cup and has added the 1966 mascot to form a complete portfolio. Over the decades, his dedication has immortalized the World Cup's spirit, infusing traditional heritage with vibrant sports energy.