Children in Nantong, in eastern Jiangsu province, recently had the opportunity to experience a paper-making activity and learn some of the craft's techniques.

The activity kicked off at Nantong Museum on Aug 13, with a teacher explaining the development of writing materials to attendees and demonstrating the papermaking process.

A sieve-like screen is used to collect paper pulp floating on the water. The randomly interwoven fibers are flattened to form a sheet of wet paper. Once dry a generally flat, uniform and strong sheet of paper is achieved.

Following the teacher's instructions, the children had a lot of fun working together to practice the traditional craft.

“It is far more difficult than I expected,” said Zhu Ruitian, a primary school student, who said that as a result of his introduction into paper making he will reduce paper use in his daily life.

The technique of papermaking is one of four great Chinese inventions, the other three being the compass, gunpowder and movable type printing. 

China was the world's first country to make paper. The craft can be traced back to the Western Han Dynasty (202 BC-8 AD).

In 105 during the Eastern Han Dynasty (AD 25-220), Cai Lun, an official attached to the imperial court, improved the technique by using worn-out fishnets, tree bark, bits of rope and rags as raw materials, which could be easily found and bought at low cost.

Children try their hand at papermaking at Nantong Museum on Aug 13. [Photo/ntfabu.com]

A child collects paper pulp with a sieve-like screen during the activity on Aug 13. [Photo/ntfabu.com]