Dong Ho painting village, a precious gem of Vietnamese culture, nestled on the banks of the gentle Duong River, has existed and thrived for over 400 years. This place is not only the cradle of unique folk woodcut painting but also an attractive cultural tourist destination, captivating visitors with its rustic beauty and strong national identity. Traveling to Dong Ho painting village, you will not only admire exquisite works of art but also immerse yourself in the traditional cultural space, discover historical stories, and experience the simple life of Kinh Bac people.
Exploring the Beauty of Dong Ho Painting Village
Dong Ho painting village, also known as Mai village, is located in Song Ho commune, Thuan Thanh district, Bac Ninh province, about 35km from the center of Hanoi. This convenient geographical location makes the painting village an ideal destination for a day trip from Hanoi. Arriving at Dong Ho village, you will immediately feel the fresh, peaceful atmosphere of a typical Northern Vietnamese village. Houses with bright red tile roofs, winding small roads, moss-covered fences… all create a peaceful, poetic rural scene.
But what makes Dong Ho village different and famous is its traditional woodcut painting craft. Since ancient times, Dong Ho paintings have become an indispensable part of the spiritual and cultural life of Vietnamese people, especially every Tet (Lunar New Year) holiday. Dong Ho paintings are not just decorative items but also carry profound cultural and religious values, reflecting the dreams and aspirations for a prosperous and happy life of working people.
Dong Ho painting "Rat Wedding" is famous, showcasing distinctive folk culture.
Today, despite many historical and social changes, Dong Ho painting village still retains its traditional beauty and vitality. Tourists come here not only to see paintings but also to learn about the unique painting process, meet dedicated artisans, and feel the love for the craft and the respect for traditional culture of the local people. Dong Ho painting village is truly a meaningful cultural tourism destination, where you can discover and appreciate the quintessence of Vietnamese folk art.
Dong Ho painting village still retains the traditional architecture of a Northern Vietnamese village.
Over 400 Years of History of Dong Ho Painting Village
Dong Ho painting village is not just a tourist destination but also a living cultural heritage, a testament to the long history and artistic tradition of the nation. The woodcut painting craft in Dong Ho is believed to have originated in the 16th century, undergoing more than 400 years of ups and downs, associated with many historical events and social changes.
The most prosperous period of Dong Ho painting village was from the late 18th century to 1944. During this period, up to 17 families in the village jointly developed the painting profession, creating a vibrant production atmosphere and diversity in designs and themes. Dong Ho paintings of this period were not only consumed domestically but also known and loved in many other countries.
However, during the difficult years of the resistance war against the French, Dong Ho painting village experienced a serious decline. The village was devastated by war, many families had to abandon their profession, and the painting craft was almost interrupted. It was not until 1967, when peace was restored in the North, that dedicated artisans began the journey to restore the traditional craft village.
In the past, the Dong Ho painting market was a unique cultural feature, usually held in December every year. This market was not only a place to buy and sell paintings but also an opportunity for people and tourists to meet, giao lưu (exchange), enjoy art, and feel the atmosphere of the approaching traditional Tet holiday. However, from the 1940s onwards, due to many objective and subjective factors, the painting profession gradually declined, and the painting market also lost its inherent bustle.
Ancient traces are still preserved in Dong Ho painting village, telling the story of the craft village's history.
Despite many difficulties, the people of Dong Ho village have always strived to preserve and develop the traditional craft. In March 2013, the Dong Ho painting craft was honorably recognized as a National Intangible Cultural Heritage, a worthy recognition of the cultural and artistic values that the painting village brings. Today, tourism to Dong Ho painting village is increasingly developing, making an important contribution to the preservation and promotion of the values of this cultural heritage.
Dong Ho villagers strive to preserve the traditional woodcut painting craft through many generations.
Comprehensive Dong Ho Painting Village Travel Experience
To have a truly meaningful and complete trip to Dong Ho painting village, please refer to the following useful experiences:
Ideal Time to Visit Dong Ho Painting Village
You can visit Dong Ho painting village at any time of the year; each season the painting village has its own beauty. However, the best time to visit the painting village is in the spring, from about January to March of the lunar calendar. At this time, the weather is cool and pleasant, the air is fresh, which is very suitable for sightseeing and exploration. Especially, during the Lunar New Year, the painting village becomes more bustling and vibrant than ever, as families are busy preparing Tet paintings for sale and decorating their homes.
In addition, if you want to experience the traditional festival atmosphere, come to the painting village around mid-March of the lunar calendar, when the painting village festival is held. This is an opportunity for you to immerse yourself in the unique cultural space, enjoy folk art performances, and shop for Tet paintings.
Springtime, from January to March in the lunar calendar, is ideal for visiting Dong Ho painting village.
Directions to Dong Ho Painting Village
Dong Ho painting village is not far from Hanoi, so getting here is quite convenient. You can choose many different means of transport such as:
- Bus: Bus route number 204 (Hanoi – Thuan Thanh) has a stop quite close to the painting village. You can take the bus at Long Bien transfer point, then take a motorbike taxi or taxi for a few kilometers to reach the painting village.
- Motorbike, private car: If you want to be proactive about time and schedule, motorbike or private car is a suitable choice. You can go along National Highway 5 or National Highway 1A, then turn into a provincial road following the directions to Dong Ho village. The way is quite easy to find and there are many signposts.
Unique Experiences in Dong Ho Painting Village
Coming to Dong Ho painting village, you will have the opportunity to experience many interesting and meaningful activities:
Admire the Unique Art of Woodcut Painting
The first and most important thing when traveling to Dong Ho painting village is to admire the unique woodcut paintings. You can visit family painting workshops, admire ancient woodblocks, learn about the elaborate painting process, and appreciate the delicate beauty of each work.
Dong Ho paintings are famous for their close-to-life themes, reflecting the daily life, culture, and beliefs of Vietnamese people. Paintings such as “Rat Wedding”, “Mother Hen and Chicks”, “Pig Herd”, “Vinh quy bai to” (Returning home in glory)… are not only of high artistic value but also carry profound humanistic and educational meanings.
Dong Ho paintings are known for delicate lines and natural, earthy colors.
Participate in Dong Ho Painting Festival
If you visit the painting village during the festival (usually taking place from the 14th to the 16th of March in the lunar calendar), do not miss the opportunity to participate in the traditional painting festival. The festival is an occasion to honor the painting profession, exchange culture, and enjoy unique folk art activities.
Make Your Own Dong Ho Painting
Another interesting and memorable experience when coming to the painting village is to make a Dong Ho painting yourself. You will be guided by artisans through the basic steps in the painting process, from creating patterns, carving woodblocks, printing paintings to completing the product. This is a great opportunity for you to better understand the painting profession and create a unique souvenir with your personal mark.
Hands-on Dong Ho painting experience is a fun and meaningful activity.
Buy Dong Ho Paintings as Souvenirs
Before leaving the painting village, do not forget to buy a few Dong Ho paintings as gifts for relatives, friends, or to decorate your home. Dong Ho paintings are not only meaningful gifts in terms of spirit but also items imbued with Vietnamese traditional cultural values. In addition to paintings, you can also buy other souvenirs with Dong Ho painting motifs such as fans, calendars, cards…
Buying Dong Ho paintings as souvenirs supports the craft village and brings home meaningful memories.
Important Notes When Visiting Dong Ho Painting Village
To ensure your trip to Dong Ho painting village is smooth and meaningful, you need to pay attention to the following:
- Dress code: You should choose comfortable, polite clothes, suitable for the traditional cultural space. If you plan to combine visiting nearby temples and pagodas, modest clothing is the best choice.
- Traffic safety: If traveling by motorbike, pay attention to safety, especially on small dike roads.
- Find information: Before going, research information about the painting village, attractions, activities, and festivals to be well prepared.
- Maintain hygiene and order: The painting village is a peaceful cultural space, please maintain general hygiene, do not make noise or cause disorder.
- Ask for prices before buying: When buying paintings or souvenirs, you should ask for prices first to avoid being “overcharged”. The price of Dong Ho paintings usually ranges from tens of thousands to hundreds of thousands of VND depending on size and sophistication.
Dong Ho painting village is an ideal cultural tourism destination to explore Vietnamese traditional beauty.
Conclusion
Traveling to Dong Ho painting village is a meaningful journey to discover culture, art, and history. Coming to the painting village, you will not only admire the beauty of unique folk paintings but also immerse yourself in the traditional cultural space, feel the simplicity and rusticity of the Vietnamese countryside. Take the time to visit Dong Ho painting village to experience and appreciate the quintessential cultural values of the nation, you will surely have unforgettable memories and love your homeland and country more.