Zhangzhou woodblock New Year paintings, originating in the Song Dynasty (960-1279 AD) and peaking during the Ming and Qing dynasties (1368-1912), are primarily produced in Xiangcheng district of Zhangzhou and circulated throughout the Minnan (southern Fujian) and Lingnan (areas surrounding Guangdong) regions.

These artworks were historically exported to Taiwan, Hong Kong, and Southeast Asia. Recognized for their cultural significance, they were included in the first batch of national-level intangible cultural heritage under traditional fine arts.

Zhangzhou woodblock New Year paintings are a traditional folk art form created by carving variously colored blocks and line designs on pear wood or other wooden boards. The process involves separate plates for different colors, which are then overprinted on paper using the douban technique. The printings feature a wide range of themes, including warding off evil, praying for good fortune, historical and theatrical narratives, and decorative patterns.

Characterized by bold compositions and exaggerated forms, Zhangzhou woodblock New Year paintings exude a rustic charm and strong local flavor. They uniquely blend the vigorous simplicity of northern Chinese New Year printings with the delicate refinement of Jiangnan-style printings.

Zhangzhou woodblock New Year painting workshops are categorized into "red workshops" and "black workshops". The black workshops exclusively produced textual books, while the red workshops specialize in New Year printings.

Represented by the Yan family workshop, they have been passed down through both master-apprentice and direct lineage traditions, preserving a legacy spanning over 500 years.

As an iconic representation of Minnan folk art, Zhangzhou woodblock New Year paintings hold significant academic value — their discovery helped scholars clarify the artistic lineage between Taiwan woodblock printings and their Zhangzhou origins.