How was the Chinese paper discovered?

Chinese paper was discovered during the Han Dynasty around 105 AD, attributed to Cai Lun, an official and inventor. He created it by mixing mulberry bark, hemp, rags, and old fishnets with water, then pressing and drying the mixture into sheets. This innovation provided a more efficient and cost-effective medium for writing compared to bamboo strips or silk, revolutionizing communication and record-keeping in China and eventually the world. The technique spread through trade and cultural exchanges, significantly impacting literature and education.