Let’s make a Paper Cup Chinese Dragon Craft, a vibrant and engaging activity perfect for ushering in the Year of the Dragon with a dash of creativity and cultural celebration.

This Chinese New Year dragon craft is not just a fun project, but it’s also a fantastic way to introduce children to the rich traditions and symbols of Chinese New Year, all while nurturing their artistic skills and imagination.

Crafting your own Paper Cup Dragon is a breeze, thanks to simple, readily available materials.

All you need is a paper cup, some crepe paper, paint, and a few other basic supplies. To make this craft even simpler, we have a free printable template for the Chinese dragon face, making it easy for kids to participate and ensuring a fabulous result every time.

And if you don’t have googly eyes to hand, don’t worry we also have some free printable eyes for crafts which you can substitute in.

materials for chinese dragon paper cup craft for kids

As little hands paint, cut, and glue, they’re not just crafting; they’re learning too. This activity is a fantastic way to develop fine motor skills, encourage color and shape recognition, and foster a sense of accomplishment.

But as well as being an art project, it’s a great way to tie in discussing the significance of the dragon in Chinese culture, known for its wisdom and power, and a symbol of good luck and strength. Especially since this year is Year of the Dragon in Chinese Zodiac, it’s the perfect time to make a Chinese dragon craft!

As we celebrate the Year of the Dragon, let’s not forget to sprinkle in some fun facts about Chinese dragons. Unlike the fierce dragons of Western mythology, Chinese dragons are benevolent creatures, associated with prosperity, good weather, and the water’s life-giving properties.

fire breathing chinese dragon paper cup craft for kids

Dragons are a central figure in Chinese New Year celebrations, symbolizing strength, good luck, and a promising future.

Perfect for children of all ages, this dragon craft can be made in the comfort of your home or the structured environment of a classroom.

It’s an excellent addition to any lesson plan or a festive weekend activity. Parents and educators will appreciate the ease and versatility of this craft, making it a delightful choice for kids from kindergarten through elementary school.

So gather your materials, grab the free printable template from our post, and get ready for a fire breathing dragon craft that’s full of creativity, culture, and fun.

How to Make a Paper Cup Dragon Craft

Paper Cup Dragon for Chinese New Year

Materials

Papercup
Yellow crepe paper
Orange paint
Googly eyes
Glue
Black marker

Tools

Printer for template if using
Paint brush
Scissors
Glue gun

Instructions

Paint the paper cup orange and let it dry.
Print and cut the template.
Trace it to the papers and cut it again
Once the paper cup is dry, cut out the centre of the cup
Add the googly eyes to the eye pieces
Assemble the templates all together ready to make the dragon
And attach it to the paper cup, which will be dragons mouth.
Cut strips of yellow crepe paper
Then attach it to the paper cup, as fire
Keep adding until the space is filled with crepe paper fire
Lastly, draw the nose of the dragon using a marker.
Your fire breathing dragon craft is ready!

Notes

Download free printable template below

Fire Breathing Dragon

Adding an extra layer of excitement to this craft, children can bring their Paper Cup Dragons to life by harnessing the power of their own breath. By holding the dragon up to their mouths and gently blowing, kids can watch in delight as the crepe paper “fire” flutters and dances, mimicking the iconic image of a dragon breathing fire.

This interactive element not only adds a dynamic aspect to the craft but also encourages children to engage in imaginative play. They can create stories, enact scenes, or simply enjoy the visual spectacle of their dragon’s fiery breath.

This playful feature turns their creation into more than just a static craft; it becomes a toy, a companion, and a gateway to their own little world of fantasy and adventure. It’s a beautiful way to blend creativity, play, and the magic of Chinese mythology into one enjoyable activity.

fire breathing dragon craft from a paper cup

The Paper Cup Chinese New Year Dragon Craft is a vibrant way to connect with the spirit of one of the most important festivals in the Chinese calendar. Happy crafting, and here’s to a year filled with the dragon’s wisdom and strength!

Download Dragon Craft Template PDF

Click below to download the free printable dragon template for this craft.

More Chinese New Year Crafts

Need more ideas for Chinese New Year? We have tonnes… these are just a few of our favorite Chinese New Year crafts for kids.

Egg Carton Dragon Craft For Chinese New Year

We hope you enjoyed this easy Chinese New Year craft for preschoolers. Please go ahead and share this blog post on social media or pin to your Pinterest boards. Thanks so much!

How to Make a Paper Cup Dragon Craft