Impressions of the Red River cultural space at Dinh Le Square

Many valuable images and artifacts about the culture of the Red River Delta.

These days, Dinh Le pedestrian square (Lao Cai ward) is bustling with activity, attracting a large number of locals and tourists. Here, an exhibition space organized by the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism in coordination with other agencies and units showcases many valuable images, documents, and artifacts, along with cultural and artistic performances to welcome the 2025 Red River Festival with the theme "Where the Red River flows into Vietnam." This is a significant opening activity, contributing to the vibrant atmosphere of the 2025 Red River Festival Week in Lao Cai.

The "Red River Culture - A Convergence of Colors" exhibition space displays many valuable images and artifacts about the culture of the provinces in the Red River basin.

Present at Dinh Le pedestrian square on November 17th, we noticed that the exhibition area displaying images, artifacts, and documents about the culture of the Red River Delta was basically complete. From the entrance to the exhibition halls, everything was arranged spaciously and scientifically , creating an attraction for locals and tourists alike.

True to the theme "Red River Culture - A Convergence of Colors," the exhibition booths showcase numerous valuable images and artifacts, vividly recreating the flow of Red River culture through thousands of years of history, from prehistoric times, nation-building, feudal dynasties, years of resistance, to contemporary life. Notable exhibits include artifacts of the Son Vi culture, such as stone fragments, stone axes, and grinding pestles; artifacts of the Dong Son culture, such as bronze drums, bronze jars, and bronze axes; and artifacts from feudal dynasties found in Lao Cai province.

Locals and tourists visit and learn about the artifacts at the Red River cultural space.

The exhibition space also features hundreds of photographs recreating the distinctive features of the Red River civilization, stretching from Lao Cai – “Where the Red River flows into Vietnam” – to the Ba Lat estuary (formerly Thai Binh province). Along this more than 500 km journey, the river has nurtured unique cultural values, forming the Red River cultural flow, with many valuable tangible and intangible cultural heritage sites. This is clearly demonstrated through photographs documenting typical cultural activities of provinces in the Red River basin, such as Lao Cai, Phu Tho, Hanoi, Hung Yen, and Ninh Binh.

Ms. Luu Van Anh from Lao Cai ward said: "Visiting the Red River cultural space, I learned a lot about the unique cultural features of the provinces in the Red River basin. In particular, I saw national treasures found in Lao Cai such as the Gia Phu bronze drum, the Hop Minh bronze jar, and the Dao Thinh bronze vessel. Through this, I and other visitors gained a better understanding of the history of Lao Cai province and felt more proud and in love with our homeland, Lao Cai, 'Where the Red River flows into Vietnam'."

Ms. Bui Thi Huong, Deputy Director of the Lao Cai Provincial Museum, said: "With the desire for the Red River cultural space exhibition to be truly outstanding and impressive at the 2025 Red River Festival, the Provincial Museum has meticulously developed the exhibition content, script, outline, and mock-up, featuring 350 images, documents, maps, excerpts, and 500 typical and outstanding artifacts, especially some national treasures such as the Gia Phu bronze drum and bronze jars... helping viewers better understand the cultural colors of the Red River through different historical periods. Through this, we can further appreciate and be proud of the heritage values brought by the Red River."

The Red River Cultural Journey

In relation to the culture of the Red River Delta, the Provincial Library is also displaying over 200 valuable publications and documents on the "Cultural Journey of the Red River Delta" on this occasion.

The space is meticulously and scientifically designed, comprising three areas. The " Red River Culture - Characteristics and Historical Values" area showcases valuable publications and documents on the history of the Red River Delta, its outstanding features, tangible and intangible cultural identity, folk art, and traditional crafts of the Vietnamese people. The materials also highlight the role of the Red River Delta region in the national liberation struggle and the process of construction, renovation, and integration of the river basin provinces.

The exhibition area displays publications and documents about the "Cultural Journey of the Red River".

The exhibition area "Lao Cai - A Destination on the Red River Cultural Journey" focuses on the history of formation, development, outstanding achievements, and unique tourism potential of Lao Cai. Along with this are publications introducing Lao Cai's strategic location within the Kunming (China) - Hanoi - Hai Phong - Quang Ninh economic corridor.

Over 200 books and publications about the culture of the Red River Delta are on display for locals and tourists to enjoy.

The "Cooperation for Development of the Red River Basin and Yunnan Province - China" area displays numerous publications in Vietnamese and Chinese, introducing the cultural and tourism potential and ethnic identity of the localities, while clearly and vividly reflecting the process of exchange and cooperation between the two countries. This emphasizes the importance of linking and cooperating in economic, cultural, and tourism activities between the provinces in the Red River Basin and Yunnan Province - China, with Lao Cai Province serving as a gateway and connecting center.

Locals and tourists have access to many valuable documents about the culture of the Red River Delta.

Ms. Huong, an employee at the Provincial Library, said: "The highlight of the space is..." Two large 3D book stacks, illuminated with LED lights, symbolize the Vietnam-China connection. The Vietnamese book is titled: “Lao Cai: Peak Mountains - Source Rivers.” The Chinese book is titled: “The Dream of the Red River - A Famous Land Along the River.” This harmonious blend of traditional display and digital technology offers visitors an exciting and inspiring experience.

It can be affirmed that the display of valuable images and documents about the cultural space of the Red River, as the opening activity for the series of attractive events of the 2025 Red River Festival, has created a highlight for the festival. Through this, it contributes to promoting and honoring the cultural values and identity of the provinces in the Red River basin in general and Lao Cai in particular; arousing pride, awareness of preserving and promoting traditional cultural values, and nurturing the spirit and character of the people of Lao Cai.

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