Hang Quat - Street Of Fans

Hang Quat Street extends approximately 200 meters and is located in the Hang Gai Ward of Hoan Kiem, Hanoi.

Running in an east-west direction, it connects Luong Van Can Street and Hang Non Street. During the French colonial era, the street was known as Rue Des Eventails (Street of Fans), a name that has remained in use since the August Revolution. As its name suggests, Hang Quat Street has historically been a center for fan manufacturing and retail.

The tradition of fan-making in this area originated with the villagers from Dao Xa (also referred to as Dau Quat) in An Thi Commune, Hung Yen Province. They settled here, making a living through their craft and constructing a temple dedicated to their craft ancestor at house number 4, known as "Xuan Phien Thi" (Spring Fan Market).

Fans sold on this street have traditionally come from several sources, including Kim Lu Village (Thai Tri, Hanoi), Hai Yen Village (Hung Yen Province), and Canh Hoach Village (Thanh Oai, Hanoi). The types of fans available included paper fans, silk fans, ivory-framed fans, bamboo fans, and goose-feather fans, among others.

The paper fans were intricately pricked with needles to create beautiful patterns that revealed themselves when opened in the light. However, in recent years, Hang Quat Street has increasingly shifted away from fan sales, with many households now focusing on selling altar items, embroidered pictures, and various decorative goods. Notably, a small but popular Bun Cha stall at number 74 has gained prominence, attracting visitors with the enticing aroma of grilled meats that wafts through the air each lunchtime.