Could a bridge made of paper truly exist? Here in Hanoi’s Cầu Giấy District, the name itself whispers of this intriguing possibility. Cầu Giấy, meaning “Paper Bridge,” takes its name from a centuries-old structure spanning the Tô Lịch River. This district, a vibrant tapestry of old and new, holds a unique place in Hanoi’s story. Cầu Giấy isn’t just about a bridge though. It’s a district woven from the threads of historic artisan villages, now intertwined with modern urban developments.
Cầu Giấy District pulsates with life. Nearly 300,000 people call this district home. It’s a hub for administrative offices and corporate headquarters within the bustling Trung Hòa-Nhân Chính urban area. Cầu Giấy is also a center of learning. Many universities and prestigious schools are located here. The district’s economy thrives on a mix of services, predominantly small businesses, and manufacturing. While not primarily a tourist destination, Cầu Giấy offers unique glimpses into Vietnamese culture. The Vietnam Museum of Ethnology, serene Hà Temple, and historic Mai Dịch Cemetery are just a few of the district’s hidden gems.
Before the skyscrapers and bustling streets, Cầu Giấy was a tranquil agricultural area. Artisan villages dotted the landscape, each specializing in a unique craft. Nghĩa Đô village was renowned for its sấc paper, used for royal decrees. Thượng Yên Quyết and Yên Hòa were known for their papermaking. The aroma of sweet glutinous rice, crafted into the beloved cốm dessert, wafted from Vồng village. An Phú, nestled within Nghĩa Đô, created delectable malt candy. And from Giàn village in Trung Hòa, the fragrant smoke of incense drifted through the air.
Cầu Giấy’s history stretches back centuries. During the monarchical period, it was part of Tự Liêm district, a periphery of Thăng Long, the ancient name for Hanoi. The district played a vital role during the August Revolution of 1945. Revolutionaries held clandestine meetings at Hà Temple, strategizing the uprising against the colonial government. Following the revolution, Cầu Giấy underwent numerous administrative changes, finally taking its current form on November 22, 1996.
The rapid urbanization of Cầu Giấy since the 2000s has brought both prosperity and challenges. The district’s GRDP has skyrocketed. Yet, the march of progress has threatened the traditional crafts of its historic villages. The cốm makers of Vồng village, facing shrinking farmland and rising costs, struggle to keep their craft alive. The once-thriving sấc papermaking of Nghĩa Đô is now practiced by just a handful of artisans.
Despite the rapid changes, remnants of Cầu Giấy’s past still linger. The narrow alleyways of the old villages, lined with traditional tube houses, whisper tales of bygone eras. Yet, these same alleyways pose modern-day challenges. Their narrowness makes them vulnerable to fire hazards, a harsh reality highlighted by a tragic apartment fire in 2024. Cầu Giấy’s story is a testament to the enduring spirit of its people. It’s a place where the whispers of history mingle with the hum of modern life, creating a district as unique as its name. As you leave Cầu Giấy, remember the bridge of paper. It symbolizes not just a physical structure but a bridge between the past and the present, a connection to the rich heritage of this remarkable district.