STEP 3: The sheets are then cut into pieces.[Photo/ShanghaiDaily.com]

Heavier and more tensile

Qingtan trees are cut down after they reach three or four years of age. The trunk of the tree is steamed first and then the bark is peeled off and dried. Stalks of straw, often collected in autumn, are then soaked in the water and fermented with lime. After the bark and straw are converted into juices, the combination work begins.

If the bark juice content reaches more than 60 percent, the paper will be heavier and more tensile, which better expresses different layers and shades of ink, making it more suitable for painting. Calligraphy looks better on Xuan paper containing more straw juice.

The paper is categorized according to size, texture, thickness and the ability to absorb ink.

Bleaching takes at least half a year as it depends on the weather. After being steamed several times, the paper needs to be bleached naturally, sun-scorched and rain-drenched.