Above the fold

Artist's creations defy perceptions of the craft to create pieces that transcend paper, Li Yingxue reports.

As you step into the lobby of The Peninsula Beijing, you are greeted by the breathtaking sight of colorful paper dragons, each made from a single 6-meter square paper. The magnificent creatures, untouched by scissors or glue, exude strength and grace, and their intricate folds bring them to life in the air.

Nine dragon installations adorn the hotel's public spaces. They are the work of acclaimed paper folding artist Liu Tong. Drawing inspiration from the iconic Nine-Dragon Wall in Beijing's Beihai Park, he spent over three months infusing traditional Chinese imagery with modern artistic flair.

But the journey doesn't end there. On the third floor, the Art Gallery hosts a solo exhibition by the artist, The Art of Paper. Here, Liu's timeless classics like the Northern white Rhinoceros and whimsical creations such as Balzac and Garfield delight visitors, alongside other colorful creations.