Traditional New Year woodblock paintings in Nantong. [Photo/Nantong Daily]

Residents of Nantong, East China's Jiangsu province, usually use handicrafts to create a festive atmosphere during the Spring Festival, which falls on Jan 22 this year.

New Year woodblock paintings are usually used to decorate the house. Nantong's New Year woodblock paintings are influenced by the New Year paintings in Suzhou but have a more countryside style.

Paper cutting works are usually used to decorate windows. Nantong paper cutting works are iconic examples of paper cutting in southern China due to their sophisticated techniques and delicate styles.

Two works of Nantong native Gao Wenji portraying pine trees and cranes, as well as butterflies and flowers, have been used to decorate the Jiangsu Hall at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing.

Rugao perfume satchels. [Photo/Nantong Daily]

Nantong lanterns are small in size and animal-shaped. Rabbit-shaped ones are especially popular among local children.

Bao Family lanterns were created by local scholar Bao Zhuangxing in the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644). He was good at calligraphy and painting and made the lanterns into different shapes, including people, palaces, horses, and sedans.

Rugao perfume satchels are usually presented to other people as gifts during festivals. As a specialty of Rugao, also known as the "home of longevity", Rugao perfume satchels are filled with Chinese herb powder, which are not only good for the body, but also can help expel evil spirits.