What can you make with pieces of paper? Look at Chen Yiyan’s works! The 14-year-old is good at paper-folding at Hangzhou Foreign Language School, Zhejiang. He has folded a “kingdom (王国)” with his hands. But he wasn’t born with this ability.

Chen started paper folding when he was a fourth-grader after seeing a book from his brother. Following the 50 steps shown in the book, he made his first work, a paper peacock (孔雀), within two hours.

Since then, he has read many books about paper-folding and has practiced it in his spare time. So far, his “paper-folding world” has many members, such as animals, plants and even robots. And he made his favorite work last year. It’s a paper dragon that includes almost 2,000 steps.

Chen used to fold paper himself until he met Chen Changnan, another eighth-grader at his school, who also loves paper-folding. They set up a paper-folding club. Over 20 students soon joined the club. With support from school, they organize a paper-folding activity every Wednesday afternoon. They exhibit their works and teach students how to fold. In February, the club was even invited to give a speech to kids in Wenzhou Children’s Library.

“It’s really exciting to develop my hobby and share it with others at the same time,” said Chen. “I hope more and more people get to know paper-folding and love this art.”