The first ever China-wide survey of the traditional folk art of paper-cutting has been launched as part of a "Chinese folk culture salvation project", the Beijing- based Guangming Daily reported Wednesday.

The survey, which was initiated by the Chinese Folk Literature and Art Association (CFLAA), is expected to last three years and aims to build a database for the age-old art.

Feng Jicai, head of the CFLAA, said cutting paper into the shapes of humans, animals, fairy tale characters and various patterns had come to the verge of extinction as the country's younger generations generally lacked interest in its complex techniques.

"To preserve our precious national heritage, we must save paper- cutting, as well as other folk culture forms such as clay figurine making," Feng added.

The Chinese folk culture salvation project, sponsored by the Chinese government, plans to make a comprehensive study of folk arts and culture and record details over the next 10 years.