Endowed with many distinctive natural landscapes and many unique intangible cultural heritages, Ninh Binh also possesses many valuable tangible cultural heritages. In recent years, the province has prioritized spending a lot of resources on conserving and promoting cultural heritage values, creating a strong driving force for local tourism development.
Hoa Lu Ancient Capital
Rich in historical and cultural traditions
At present, Ninh Binh has 1,821 official relics, including 395 ranked relics (314 provincial relics and 81 national relics, three special national relics, and a world cultural and natural heritage).
The province also has five artifacts recognized as national treasures, and 430 intangible cultural heritages, including folk performing arts, folk knowledge, traditional craftsmanship, traditional festival, social customs, language, writing and folklore.
Four heritages are included in the National Intangible Cultural Heritage List: Hoa Lu Festival, Ninh Van stone art, Hat Xam singing in Ninh Binh, and Binh Hai Festival. The practice of worshiping Mau Tam Phu by Vietnamese people was recognized as the Representative Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO.
Mr. Nguyen Manh Cuong, Director of the Ninh Binh Department of Culture and Sports, said: Determining cultural heritage as one of socioeconomic development strengths, the department advised the Provincial People's Committee to launch many projects and plans to preserve and promote local heritage values like the Project on “Preservation and promotion of historical, cultural, and traditional values of Hoa Lu people and land in the 2021-2030 period,” the Project on “Preserving and promoting intangible cultural heritage values” and the Project on “Practicing the beliefs of worshiping Tam Mau Phu by Vietnamese people in Ninh Binh in 2019 - 2022”.
For tangible cultural heritages, the department regularly assessed, classified, ranked, zoned and protected relics; preserved, renovated and restored relics; researched and excavated archeological sites; and safeguarded relics, antiquities and national treasures. For intangible cultural heritages, the department assessed, classified and registered intangible cultural heritages; taught and promoted intangible cultural heritages; and managed and organized festivals.
Elevating the class of heritages
In 2014, Trang An Scenic Landscape Complex was recognized as a World Cultural and Natural Heritage by UNESCO. Ninh Binh tourism was officially listed on the world tourism map, which brought a lot of opportunities to the hospitality industry of the province.
On February 7, 2023, the Prime Minister issued Decision 56/QD-TTg on the formation of the master plan for preservation and restoration of the special national monument of Hoa Lu Ancient Capital, Ninh Binh province to 2030 and further to 2050. To make Hoa Lu Ancient Capital a fully preserved mixed heritage space, a smart heritage complex, a heritage site with a multimedia approach, a group of dynamic growth nuclei for the heritage, and a destination for global brands.
In the coming time, the Department of Culture and Sports will coordinate with relevant agencies to develop and finalize the planned budget; carry out the medium-term public investment plan for the 2021-2025 period for Hoa Lu relic conservation and restoration. In particular, investment priority is given to important relics that are degraded and badly damaged.
The department will carry out research topics on history and architecture, conservation science and intangible culture, especially practical topics applied to artifact conservation and restoration in Hoa Lu Ancient Capital.
Besides, the department will promote communication and education on conservation and promotion of heritage values, connect and expand international exchanges and cooperation, exchange and acquire experiences, promote images, characteristics and cultural heritage values in the former royal capital Hoa Lu.
“Tangible and intangible cultural heritages are now a valuable resource for the province to boost local tourism attraction, image and value. That will be the premise for Ninh Binh tourism to make breakthrough development in the coming time and realize the goal of turning tourism into a key economic sector,” he said.
By Hoai Nam, Vietnam Business Forum
Vietnamese
October 2024
Hanoi