Outdoor sculptures often serve as a bridge between contemporary art and traditional craftsmanship, particularly in regions with rich paper sculpture heritage. By incorporating techniques such as intricate layering, delicate folding, and symbolic motifs from local paper art, these sculptures preserve cultural identity while adapting to durable outdoor materials like metal or stone.

Artists may draw inspiration from folk tales or historical events depicted in paper sculptures, translating ephemeral designs into permanent installations. For example, a bronze sculpture might mimic the flowing lines of ceremonial paper lanterns, or a mosaic could replicate the geometric patterns of traditional剪纸 (jiǎnzhǐ). This fusion not only honors ancestral skills but also invites public engagement with cultural narratives.

Climate-resistant adaptations are key—where paper art uses fragility as part of its meaning, outdoor versions employ weathering steel or treated wood to achieve similar visual lightness. Communities often collaborate in these projects, ensuring the sculptures reflect authentic regional aesthetics while meeting modern urban design needs. Such works transform public spaces into living galleries where tradition and innovation coexist.