As a unique and popular form of Chinese art, New Year woodblock paintings are typically displayed during the holiday to enhance the festive atmosphere, ward off evil and pray for prosperity. The earliest known examples came into being in the Song (960-1279) and Jin (1115-1234) dynasties, for example The Fair Lady of the Sui Dynasty and The Brave King Wu'an.

With the development of secular culture, the flourishing of novel printing and the rise of woodblock prints in the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644), New Year paintings truly emerged. Figures such as generals Qin Qiong and Yuchi Jingde became widely accepted as door gods. 

By the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911), the themes of New Year paintings had become more diverse and their production more refined, with major production centers such as Yangliuqing in Tianjin, Mianzhu in Sichuan, Taohuawu in Suzhou and the town of Zhuxian in Kaifeng. The term "New Year painting" first appeared in historical records during Qing Dynasty Emperor Daoguang's reign, describing the custom of pasting New Year paintings after housecleaning.

Broadly speaking, any folk art created by artisans, carved and painted in workshops and depicting and reflecting secular life can be considered New Year paintings. This wide-ranging category of Chinese folk culture has followed a clear development trajectory: from the worship of nature to the worship of and belief in social deities. The custom of New Year paintings reflects the spiritual world and beliefs of ancient Chinese people.

The origin, development and evolution of New Year paintings are closely related to economic life, social customs, regional environments, religious beliefs and national spirit. The themes are often derived from real life, intricately depicting folk beliefs, seasonal festivals, agricultural activities and life events. 

As an independent genre of traditional painting, these artworks use bright colors, rounded and lovely images and festive themes to express people's longing for a better life, filled with romantic and artistic imagination.