(TITC) – Nestled at the foot of Tay Phuong Mountain, in Thach Xa Village (now Tay Phuong Commune, Hanoi), lies a small craft village famous for one unique creation: the bamboo dragonfly. What may seem like a simple toy is in fact the result of remarkable craftsmanship, creativity, and artistic soul – an embodiment of Vietnamese ingenuity.
The craft of making bamboo dragonflies began in the 1990s, initially as a creative pastime for a few local carpenters. Inspired by small, leftover bamboo sticks, they imagined turning them into delicate dragonflies that could miraculously balance on a fingertip. To their surprise, the whimsical toy captured the hearts of visitors and traders alike, transforming a casual experiment into a thriving local industry.
Creating a bamboo dragonfly or its more recent variations, such as butterflies and birds, requires both patience and precision. Artisans must select “banh te” bamboo, known for its ideal balance of flexibility and strength, before splitting it into fine strips and shaping each part by hand, the body, wings, and tail. Every detail must be carefully measured and adjusted so that the finished dragonfly can perch perfectly on a single point.
Colourful bamboo dragonflies
The painting and decorating process is equally meticulous. Thach Xa artisans favor bright, cheerful colors and hand-painted patterns that bring each piece to life with balance and harmony. Each dragonfly reflects the maker’s fine aesthetic sense and joyful spirit.
Beyond the traditional dragonfly, Thach Xa villagers now design a variety of bamboo animals: butterflies, birds, fish, and other charming figures for decoration, souvenirs, and export. These handcrafted items have appeared at numerous domestic and international handicraft fairs, helping establish the “Thach Xa Bamboo Dragonfly” as a recognized Vietnamese cultural brand.
In recent years, Thach Xa has also become a popular craft tourism destination. Visitors can watch artisans at work, try their hand at shaping and painting bamboo dragonflies, and take home their own handmade creations. Children, especially, are enchanted by the sight of the tiny dragonflies balancing effortlessly on pens or fingertips, as if by magic.
The craft not only provides a stable income for local families but also preserves the cultural essence of Vietnam’s traditional craft villages, where every handmade piece embodies a deep love for nature and a spirit of innovation.
In an age dominated by mass-produced toys, the bamboo dragonflies of Thach Xa continue to hold a special charm. More than a souvenir, they represent Vietnamese craftsmanship, simplicity, and the quiet beauty of rural life, a small yet graceful symbol of creativity taking flight.
Today, as Thach Xa continues to thrive, the gentle image of bamboo dragonflies balancing in the air has become a quiet symbol of Vietnam’s enduring craftsmanship – simple yet full of soul. In every curve of bamboo and brushstroke of color lies a story of harmony between human hands and nature, tradition and innovation. For travelers seeking authentic experiences, a visit to Thach Xa offers more than a glimpse of rural artistry, it is a reminder that even the smallest creations can carry the weight of a nation’s cultural spirit and creative heart.
Tourism Information Technology Center
