The earliest “fan”  was called “sha” , a ceremonial fan used in ancient rituals”.

As mentioned in Ancient and Modern Notes by Cui Bao of Jin Dynasty that “Wuming fan was made by Emperor Shun.”

The folding fan was introduced to China from Japanand Goryeo in the early years of the Northern Song Dynasty,

and by the Southern Song Dynasty, its production had begun totake shape.

The fan can be extended and closed, symbolizing flexibility, opening and closing have limits.

In Chinese,  “fan” sounds like “kindness”  symbolizing goodwill and friendly gestures.”