Most editions of China's four greatest novels are written in black and white - but one retired teacher in Nanjing is taking scissors to the classics to create something slightly different. Li Xinpei has been snipping away for eight years to create paper-cut picture book-versions of the famous works.

Teacher takes scissors to Chinese classics

The 76-year-old has his work cut out for him. With the help of his family, the dedicated paper-cut artist is tackling The Journey to the West, A Dream of Red Mansions, Heroes of the Marshes and The Romance of Three Kingdoms.

Li Xinpei read the novels several times before starting on the epic task. He then wrote simplified versions of the stories and worked out story boards. He has already cut nearly 400 pictures for A Dream of Red Mansions and Heroes of the Marshes.

"The most difficult novel is The Journey to the West. Because the Monkey King changes 72 times -- so I have to cut about 400 pictures to tell the story. But I have faith I'll be able to finish this huge task I've set myself, as long as my health holds."

Not even Li Xinpei knows how long it will take him to finish the four picture books. But the work is sure to be a new classic.

(CCTV.com April 8, 2004)