Kaifeng's Hidden Gem: The Woodblock New Year Print Museum is a Must-Visit!

Located at No. 58 South Bookstore Street near Kaifeng's Drum Tower, an unassuming shop bears a sign with Lu Xun's inscription: "Kaifeng Woodblock New Year Print Museum." While the Drum Tower bustles with traffic, the museum quietly embraces its solitude nearby. The two giant woodblock prints adorning the Drum Tower walls were created by Ren Helin himself. 1. Born in August 1949 in Lankao County, Kaifeng, Ren Helin grew up alongside the People's Republic of China, witnessing the development and flourishing of Kaifeng woodblock prints. Speaking about his connection to this art form, Ren once said: "I majored in printmaking in university. After graduating from Henan University in 1970, I took a job at Lankao County Cultural Center to immerse myself in woodblock prints." 2. In 1978, Ren transferred to Kaifeng to help establish the Zhuxian Town New Year Print Publishing House. "At that time, we couldn't find a single authentic woodblock print in all of Henan," he recalled. Despite its long history, Kaifeng's woodblock prints suffered severe damage during wars and the Cultural Revolution. Determined to revive this tradition, Ren embarked on a quest to recover original woodblock prints. 3. Ren made three trips to Shanghai's Lu Xun Memorial Hall to research woodblock prints. With a handwritten letter from print artist Liu Xian, he gained access to Lu Xun's personal collection, photographing 26 precious woodblock prints. 4. Systematically organizing his findings, Ren led skilled artisans in reproducing historical woodblock prints. For over 40 years, with just a carving knife, woodblock, and calloused hands, he has preserved Kaifeng's woodblock print heritage. 5. To promote this folk art, Ren self-funded the establishment of the Kaifeng Song Dynasty Woodblock New Year Print Museum in 2007. The museum displays over 1,000 reproduced prints and nearly 300 historical artifacts, offering free admission. Ren also regularly visits schools to teach woodblock printing techniques including drawing, carving, and rubbing. 6. With growing national support for preserving woodblock prints, Ren feels increasingly confident about passing on this tradition. "In my lifetime," he says, "I'll be the guardian of Kaifeng woodblock prints, helping more people discover, understand, and appreciate their charm."