The Guanpu Oilpaper Fan in particular style can be called as a "China's Special Skill". Its production consists of the following processes: Firstly, prepare materials. Select shapely bamboo based on the expected diameter of the fan; Secondly, make the framework. "Slice the bamboo" and "remove the white part" to retain the green part, then thread a thin bamboo strip as a "skeleton", and connect the ends of the skeletons with a fine thread to create the framework. Thirdly, paste the paper. Fourthly, add poetry and painting. Fifthly, oil and air the fan.

Guanpu oilpaper fan represents a unique kind of local folk custom. In the past, oilpaper fans were listed as a must betrothal present in Fu'an.

It was a basic tool to relieve heat in summer before electric fans took the market. Guanpu Village, located in north Fu'an, is the only origin of this traditional product.

In order to produce such a fan, materials should be selected carefully. The bamboo should be shapely in shape and size, and in suitable thickness, with joints relatively distantly scattered. The handle part should be reserved when preparing materials, and its upper length should be right at a joint. To "slice the bamboo" is to cut the upper length into filaments. Then remove the "white part" and retain the "green part" of the filaments. Open a hole on each side of the joint at the handle, thread relatively thick bamboo strips through the hole to be the "shoulders", the length of which are half of the fan perimeter or so. Then connect the ends and middles of these strips with threads, fix at the two ends and tighten up, making the shoulders into an arch. Due to their flexibility, the shoulders show a rounded "fossa", the top of which is right the joint. When the framework has been finished,

it comes to the paper sticking. Select the "cotton paper" excellent in water absorption and tenacity, to cover the front and back successively. After airing, flatten the two sides with a coir brush. Dry it in the air and then trim the paper with a shear to create the basic shape.

Finally, decoration and oil. Paint some simple designs on it such as flowers, insects and fishes, or write some "graceful expressions" like "Qing feng xu lai", "Xin ping qi he" and "Lian ye he tian tian". The scripts and paintings are all in ink color; while flowers may show some red, yellow, blue or green. The artistic talents of the folk calligraphers and painters make the article of daily life into an artwork. Some refined scholars even place orders for fans as presents to their friends and relatives. They may decorate the fans with their own poetries and paintings to enhance the artistic taste. After the decoration, it is to oil and dry the fan. The oilpaper fan is finished by then. In summer, everyone holds his or her favorite fan written with "beautiful lines", which will conquer the heat with an air of coolness and comfort. A common fan poem seen in my childhood is still in mind:

With a fan in hand, cool breeze is brought in by the five dancing dragons on it;

Heat defeated, you enjoy the comfortable and leisurely summer.

This kind of fans feature strong wind, durability and multifunction. The adults usually choose big fans 40cm in diameter, which can keep out the sun, mosquitos and flies and scratch an itch; shoppers without a basket can use a fan to carry the goods. The ladies prefer "small and exquisite" ones about 20cm in diameter to show their elegance. According to the older generation, there was a kind of "tribute fan". Meticulously produced, such a fan was embellished with paper-cut propitious clouds at the lower part, and decorated with colorful silk ribbons at the end of the handle, extremely refined.

Guanpu oilpaper fan even becomes the mark of Fu'an: Walking with an oilpaper fan in other places, you will soon be identified as a Fu'an native or an outsider coming via Fu'an.

It's interesting that the fan developed into a special kind of folk custom. In the past, oilpaper fans were listed as a must betrothal present in Fu'an. All relatives of the bride shall have one; and the fans should be prepared in complete sizes of big, medium and small, indicating the multi-generation in the family. After the wedding, fans shall also be presented for certain years, Han for three years and She for one year. As a Fu'an custom, a married woman's parents' home would "send festival" to the daughter during the Dragon Boat Festival. Most people would choose the 1^st day of the 5^th month in the Chinese calendar to "send festival", making the day the most bustling in Guanpu. In carrying poles, the red cloth bags and packages filled with new clothes for children and fans in all sizes also carry the grandparents' love for their grandchildren and the parents' blessings for their children. Today this custom, though not so common, traditional and "etiquette-comprehensive" as before, can still reflect the intimate kinship and people's desire for reunited and harmonious lives.

In spite of the decreasing popularity of fans, the Fu'an people did not forget them. Guanpu villagers are still producing the treasure "handed down by the ancestors" and will carry on with it.