中国扇子的历史可以追溯到3000多年前的商朝(theShangDynasty)。第一种扇子叫作“扇汗”(Shanhan),是拴在马车上用来挡住强烈的阳光,给乘客遮雨的。“扇汗”有点像现在的雨伞。后来“扇汗”变成了由薄但是结实的丝绸或者鸟的羽毛做成的长柄扇,称为中山扇(Zhangshanfan),它主要用于皇帝的仪仗(honourguard)装饰。
ThehistoryofChinesefancanbedatedtoover3,000yearsago,aroundtheShangDynasty.Thefirsttypeoffan,knownasShanhan,wastiedtoahorse-drawncarriagetoshutoutthestrongsunshineandshelterthepassengersfromtherainfall.TheShanhanwasabitliketoday’sumbrella.LaterthisShanhanbecamealong-handledfanmadeofthinandtoughsilkorbirds5feathers,calledaZhangshanfan,whichwasmainlyusedbytheemperor’shonourguardasdecoration.