Chinese knotting (zhong guo jie 中国结) is a decorative handicraft arts that began as a form of Chinese folk art in the Tang and Song Dynasty (960-1279 AD) in China. It was later popularized in the Ming and Qing Dynasty (1368-1911 AD). The art is also referred to as Chinese traditional decorative knots.

The Qing Dynasty Chinese novel "Dream of the Red Chamber" talked extensively about the art.

One major characteristic of decorative knotwork is that all the knots are tied using one thread, which is usually about one-meter in length. However, when finished the knot looks identical from both the front and back. They can come in a variety of colours such as; gold, green, blue or black, though the most commonly used colour is red. This is because it symbolizes good luck and prosperity.

There are many different shapes of Chinese knots. The most common being flowers, birds, dragons, fish, and even shoes. Culturally they were expected to ward off evil spirits similar to bagua mirrors or act as good-luck charms for Chinese marriages. 

Learn to make the auspicious knots from CCC folk artists Ms Wang, and work out your own knots, and hang them up on your neck or your handbag.

CCC offers several sessions of Chinese knotting Classes with different patterns and shapes. They are:

1. Longevity Knots

2. bracelets

3. necklace

4. Earrings

5. Butterflies

6. Corns

Venue: China Culture Center, Beijing, China.