Easy-to-DIY Chinese Folding Fans - A Fun Activity for Kids!

Over the summer, we made 中国扇子 (zhōng gúo shàn zi / Chinese fan) in lucky Chinese colors, red and gold. The two main types of hand fans are (1) rigid with a handle and (2) folding. Since we didn’t have many craft materials, we made simple Chinese folding fans. While making these easy-to-DIY Chinese folding fans, I showed my daughter a few old folding fans from my parents and grandparents. My daughter had fun touching the fabric and intricate designs! In addition to providing a cool breeze on a hot day, we discussed how Chinese fans were significant in fashion and art.

Try this: The Best 20 Chinese New Year Activities and Crafts for Home and School!

This post may have some affiliate links. If you click an affiliate link and make a purchase, I earn a small commission which supports our educational tips at no additional cost to you. Please see the disclosure policy for details.

Important vocabulary:

风扇 (Fèng shān / fan, electric fan)
电风扇 (Diàn fèng shān / electric fan)
扇子 (Shān zi / hand fan)

What you need:

Red printer paper (Astrobrights is our favorite)
Gold Sharpie marker
Gold glitter marker
Gold glitter glue
Organza ribbon or curling ribbon

What to do:

Cut half a sheet of 8″x11″ red printer paper (folded lengthwise)
Write a message with gold Sharpie; ask your child to trace the characters with Gold glitter marker for writing practice!
Decorate the paper & with gold glitter glue
Fold 0.5″ accordion style
Tie the bottom end with a pretty ribbon!

If you don’t have red paper at home or want to save paper, you can upcycle anything! In the photo below, you can see that we made pretty Chinese folding fans from random pieces of white paper. Also, please note that when we made the fans, we were learning the word 风扇, which is why we wrote it on the red paper. However, that word actually means electric fan. But you can write any words or phrases that your child is learning!