The Chang Son Fan Village is one of the must-visit destinations when traveling to Hanoi. When you come to the Chang Son Fan Village, you not only get to learn and participate in the traditional hand fan production process but also enjoy the tranquil rural scenery, with ancient houses that the villagers, who are skilled in making paper fans, have preserved for generations.
Where is Chang Son Fan Village? How to get to Chang Son Fan Village?
Chang Son Fan Village is an enticing destination for those who love exploring the culture and traditions of ethnic communities. This craft village in Hanoi is located in Chang Son commune, Thach That district, Hanoi. Over time, Chang Son has become one of the renowned attractions in the former Ha Tay Province.
Situated approximately 30km northwest of Hanoi’s city center, Chang Son is surrounded by expansive rice fields, creating a picturesque landscape. The journey to this location is straightforward.
You can travel by motorbike via Thang Long Avenue, turning onto the road leading to Tay Phuong Pagoda. At the intersection near Tay Phuong Pagoda, you’ll find the road opposite the pagoda’s entrance, leading to Chang Son Fan Village. If you prefer taking the bus, you can catch route number 89 from Yen Nghia bus station and alight near the intersection.
Origin of Chang Son Fan Village
Chang Son Fan Village, located in Thach That district, Hanoi, is renowned for its traditional fan-making craft that has thrived for centuries. What makes it particularly special is that Chang Son fans have been exhibited in the capital city of Paris, becoming a distinctive cultural symbol of Hanoi since the 19th century.
Visitors to this craft village in Hanoi will have the opportunity to learn about the artisan Duong Van Mo, who played a significant role in reviving the traditional fan-making craft of the village. The intricately handcrafted fans by the skilled artisans here will surely captivate you.
Moreover, Chang Son Village also has a story about the “Council of Fairy Fans” – a group of fairy maidens who frequently gather to make fans and entertain. The verse “Fairy comrades unite with fans, the fairy council gathers, Destiny weaves with fans, dispelling sorrows, Sorrows expelled by fans, the hand guides the wind, The wind guides the hand of the fairy council” adds to the uniqueness of Chang Son Village.
Process of making a Chang Son Fan
The process of creating a fan in Chang Son Village is highly intricate and time-consuming. Firstly, the skilled artisans of Chang Son must select bamboo tubes that meet three criteria: flexibility, maturity, and resistance to mold. After being cut in appropriate proportions, the bamboo tubes are soaked in water for 4 to 5 months to ensure durability and flexibility.
Next, the bamboo tubes are finely split and shaped into smooth blades or intricately carved according to custom orders. The bamboo slats are then pierced and bent into an arched shape before being covered with paper or fabric. The process of wrapping paper or fabric onto the fan blades must be done with great skill to avoid wrinkles.
The decoration phase is a crucial step in creating various styles and patterns for the fans. Artisans in Chang Son may paint, write calligraphy, or create interesting patterns by punching tiny holes into the bamboo. For fabric fans, artisans typically embroider directly onto the fabric or press embroidered designs between two layers of fabric, resulting in beautiful and eye-catching creations.
Finally, the fan drying process is vital to ensure product quality. Some houses use bamboo racks for drying, while others may stack them or lay them out in the sun, creating a vibrant display of colors in the village when the sun is shining. Visitors can explore, take pictures to capture this wonderful moment, and also indulge in delicious Hanoi cuisine at this charming location.
Visit Chang Son Fan Village
Chang Son Fan Village is a favored tourist destination for many travelers, appreciated for both its scenic beauty and cultural charm. If you’re still wondering what activities to enjoy during your visit to Chang Son Village, consider the following suggestions.
Listen to stories about Chang Son Fan Village
When you come to visit Chang Son Fan Village, you will have the opportunity to listen to the elders narrate the process of the village’s formation and development throughout the centuries. You will distinctly feel the beauty of the ethnic culture being passed down from generation to generation through the traditional craft of fan-making. As a result, you will develop a deeper love for your homeland and a greater appreciation for the traditional craft villages that continue to preserve cultural heritage today.
Make beautiful Chang Son Fans by yourself
Traveling to Chang Son Village not only allows tourists to learn about the fan-making processes but also provides hands-on experiences in creating charming paper and bamboo fans to take home as gifts. Tourists can rest assured, as the artisans here are very friendly and enthusiastic. Under their meticulous guidance, visitors are guaranteed to produce excellent and delightful handmade products.
Buy Chang Son Fan as a gift
If you’re unsure about where to go for a day trip near Hanoi, Chang Son Fan Village is one of the ideal destinations. Here, you can not only explore the beauty of traditional craft villages but also purchase charming fans as gifts for your loved ones and friends.
The fans available here come in a variety of colors and patterns, allowing you to easily choose according to your preferences. You can also capture memorable moments with the unique bamboo fans that exude the essence of Vietnam. This is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Hanoi today.
Many traditional craft villages are facing the risk of decline due to the erosion of time. However, Chang Son Fan Village, with its passionate and dedicated artisans, continues to preserve and develop day by day. The bamboo fans from Chang Son are not only well-received domestically but also among international friends. Hopefully, this information will help you have a wonderful trip and create memorable moments in Chang Son.
