Traditional Craft Village Series in Cao Bằng - Part 1: Phúc Sen Blacksmith Village

Phúc Sen forging village is likened to the largest “handicraft forge” in the North amidst the Cao Bằng mountains and forests

When mentioning the famous traditional craft villages of Cao Bằng, one cannot forget Phúc Sen forging village – where the sound of the hammer has echoed for hundreds of years. Located in Pác Rằng village, Phúc Sen commune, Quảng Hòa district, about 30km from Cao Bằng city center, this is a village specializing in the production of various agricultural tools, knives, and household items known throughout the country. Just follow National Highway 3 towards the Tà Lùng national border gate, visitors will easily find this special village.

Not only is it the residence of the Nùng An ethnic group, but Phúc Sen is also known as the cradle of the traditional forging craft with a history of over 1,000 years. It is said that this place once forged weapons for Nùng Trí Cao and Nùng Tôn Phúc during the resistance against the Song invaders. Through many historical upheavals, the forging profession has been preserved and developed strongly, becoming a source of pride for the local people.

In the past, this craft village mainly forged weapons

Currently, Phúc Sen commune has about 160 active forges, providing jobs for over 300 workers and bringing a stable income to the people. Not only forging, the locals here also develop additional crafts such as brocade weaving, making traditional paper, and incense making… but forging remains the soul of the entire village.

This forging village offers a variety of products such as knives, hammers, agricultural tools,...

The reputation of Phúc Sen forging village lies in the superior quality of each product. Knives, scissors, hoes, shovels, plows… are completely hand-forged but are famous for their sharpness, high durability, and long-lasting use. The products are not only trusted by the local people but are also present in various northern mountainous provinces, Hanoi, the Central Highlands, and even in the Guangxi border area.

The Nùng people in Phúc Sen have their own forging secrets that cannot be found anywhere else. They use charcoal from hard woods to create high heat, combined with traditional stone kilns. Especially, the craftsmen do not need a fixed formula but mainly rely on experience, visual and auditory perception, and the sensitivity of their hands to create perfect products. This is what has made the brand of Phúc Sen forging village – a valuable traditional craft heritage in the vast Northeast.

Thanks to their unique secrets, products from Phúc Sen sell very well.

A peaceful little corner in Phúc Sen forging village.