The craft of making bamboo dragonflies started booming 20 years ago in Thach Xa commune

The 'kingdom' of bamboo dragonflies can be found just 35km west of the capital centre – in a quiet village near ancient Tay Phuong Pagoda, in Thach Xa commune, Thach That district

The village craft of making bamboo dragonflies started booming 20 years ago

To ensure the durability and flexibility for its product, Thach Xa villagers have bought material bamboo from Vinh Phuc, Hoa Binh, or Tuyen Quang provinces which are home to forests of thin but solid bamboo

The creation of bamboo dragonflies involves many different processes including splitting bamboo, body and wing dragonflies, making mine, wing assembly and decoration

The most difficult stage is to assemble the wings to the body which must be precise to ensure the dragonfly will be perfectly balanced on the sticks or twigs (Photo: VNA)
To make such lifelike bamboo dragonflies that can balance and perch on anything, craftsmen have to go through different processes requiring meticulosity and precision in every detail

Dragonflies are coated with colourful paints and vivid patterns

Dragonflies are coated with colourful paints and vivid patterns

From bamboo, Thach Xa villagers create eye-catching dragonflies

Each dragonfly or other animals that are made illustrates a lively and symbolic picture of the Vietnamese countryside

Villagers also make bamboo birds, butterflies, peacocks, and tortoises

Dragonflies are coated with colourful paints and vivid patterns