(TITC) – With a history spanning more than three centuries, Thanh Tien Paper Flower Village is a vibrant cradle of traditional craftsmanship, where colorful paper flowers come to life and the spirit of Hue’s folk culture is preserved. This peaceful village, steeped in tradition, is a unique destination that draws visitors back time and again to the poetic heart of Vietnam’s former imperial capital.
Located about 10 kilometers southeast of Hue city center, Thanh Tien Village, in Duong No Ward, is renowned for its long-standing craft of making paper flowers. According to the historical text Dai Nam Nhat Thong Chi, this craft dates back to the 16th century and has since been recognized as one of Vietnam’s treasured traditional arts.
Using their skilled hands and boundless creativity, local artisans transform simple, natural materials – such as bamboo, colored paper, and string – into exquisite floral creations that are almost indistinguishable from real flowers. From orchids and lilies to single and double chrysanthemums, wild sunflowers, wallflowers, and lotus blossoms, each paper flower reflects the artisans’ deep passion and attention to detail. Among them, the lotus flower – regarded as a symbol of purity and nobility in Vietnamese culture – is the most iconic product of Thanh Tien. These delicate paper lotuses are frequently showcased at major cultural events like Hue Festival, the Ao Dai Festival, and international art exchange programs. They are also prominently displayed at sites such as the Hue Imperial City and the Nguyen Chi Dieu Memorial House.
What sets Thanh Tien paper flowers apart is their entirely handcrafted production process. Every step – cutting, shaping, folding, and assembling – is done meticulously by hand. Artisans use iron chisels to cut paper on wooden molds, carefully create delicate folds with fishing line, attach stamens, and fix the blooms to slender bamboo branches. A full bouquet typically features a variety of blossoms – orchids, roses, chrysanthemums, wild sunflowers – accompanied by red buds and green rice leaves, symbolizing abundance and the agrarian traditions of Vietnam.
Each year, Thanh Tien Paper Flower Village welcomes countless domestic and international tourists eager to experience. Visitors can observe the flower-making process, try their hand at creating their own blooms, and learn about the village’s cultural heritage. The village also regularly hosts student groups, offering younger generations opportunities to connect with and appreciate their ancestral traditions.
Mr. Tran Phu, a well-known figure in the village and the third generation of a family of flower artisans, shares that the true purpose of making paper flowers goes beyond commerce. “It’s about preserving the soul of the village, our homeland, and our ancestors,” he says. He takes pride in seeing young people and tourists engage with the tradition, which helps breathe new life into the village’s legacy.
In an era of rapid modernization, maintaining and developing a traditional craft village like Thanh Tien is no easy task. Yet, despite the challenges brought by time and social change, the villagers have remained steadfast in their love for the craft. Most importantly, a new vitality is emerging – paper flowers are not only crafted by the experienced hands of older artisans but also reimagined by the creative spirit of younger generations. These local youth are carrying forward the village’s passion, ensuring that Thanh Tien paper flowers continue to bloom brightly and beautifully in modern life.
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