Turn the "red address" ATK Dinh Hoa into an attractive cultural and historical destination

Following the Prime Minister's directive to "transform heritage into assets," Thai Nguyen province is striving to transform this "red address" into an attractive destination, where a glorious past blends with modern life, creating momentum for sustainable development in this revolutionary land.

Preserving and promoting the value of heritage.

The Định Hóa Safe Zone (ATK) historical site is located in the communes of Phú Đình, Điềm Mặc, Thanh Định, Định Biên, Bảo Linh, Đồng Thịnh, Quy Kỳ, Kim Phượng, Bình Thành and the town of Chợ Chu, Định Hóa district, Thái Nguyên province, with a total planned conservation area of over 5,200 km².

This is a strategic area located in the heart of Viet Bac, bordering the three provinces of Thai Nguyen, Tuyen Quang, and Bac Kan – considered the "heart" of the revolutionary base during the resistance war against French colonialism (1946–1954).

Historically, this area has been known by various names such as the Safe Zone, the ATK Dinh Hoa Historical Relic Area, or the Central Safe Zone – all associated with the years of activity and work of President Ho Chi Minh , the Central Committee of the Party, and the Government of the Democratic Republic of Vietnam.

In 1981, the Ministry of Culture and Information (now the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism) classified the Dinh Hoa Revolutionary Base Area as a national monument, comprising 13 representative component relics.

Each location is a milestone in the history of the resistance: from Cho Chu Prison – where the French colonialists imprisoned revolutionary fighters, to the site where the Vietnam Liberation Army was founded in Dinh Bien commune – the cradle of the Vietnam People's Army.

The places where President Ho Chi Minh lived and worked, such as Khau Ty Hill, Tin Keo Hill, and Khuon Tat Hill, are all associated with strategic decisions, including the draft "Revising Working Methods" and other important documents that led to the victory of the 1953-1954 Winter-Spring Campaign and the Battle of Dien Bien Phu.

Not only was it the workplace of President Ho Chi Minh, the Dinh Hoa Revolutionary Base Area was also the "headquarters" of many central agencies: General Secretary Truong Chinh and the Central Party Office in Phung Hien, the General Staff of the Vietnam People's Army in Bao Linh, and the birthplace of the People's Army Newspaper, the Vietnam Journalists Association, and the Central Inspection Committee.

The Khuon Tat historical site – where President Ho Chi Minh once lived, bathed, and fished – along with the scenic Khuon Tat waterfall and Pu Don hill, have all been restored and preserved, becoming sacred spaces for educating today's generations about patriotic traditions.

The Định Hóa Resistance Zone, along with Pác Bó (Cao Bằng) and Tân Trào (Tuyên Quang), formed the "Capital of Resistance" – the birthplace, organization, and direction of campaigns that determined the nation's destiny.

It was here that the Politburo and President Ho Chi Minh met and approved the Dien Bien Phu campaign plan, leading to the historic victory that "shook the world," ending the war and restoring peace in Indochina.

Given its exceptional historical, cultural, and scientific value, on May 10, 2012, the Prime Minister decided to classify the ATK Dinh Hoa historical site as a Special National Monument.

Today, ATK Dinh Hoa is not only a sacred "red address" in the hearts of the Vietnamese people, but also an important cultural and historical destination, contributing to nurturing patriotism, the spirit of independence and self-reliance, and the aspiration for development of the nation.

Heritage – a driving force for sustainable development.

From 2015 to the present, Dinh Hoa district has coordinated with various levels and sectors to restore and preserve over 50 historical sites. In particular, the district is implementing the project "Developing community tourism associated with the preservation and promotion of traditional cultural and historical values of ethnic groups in Dinh Hoa district, giai đoạn 2021-2025, with a vision to 2030".

This is an important step towards transforming heritage into a resource for sustainable development, in line with the Prime Minister's directive: "Transform heritage into assets."

Commemorating the 60th anniversary of President Ho Chi Minh's visit to Thai Nguyen.

VHO – On the evening of December 28th, at Vo Nguyen Giap Square in Thai Nguyen province, a ceremony was held to commemorate the 60th anniversary of President Ho Chi Minh's visit to Thai Nguyen province (January 1, 1964 – January 1, 2024).

For the ATK Dinh Hoa Special National Historical Site, Thai Nguyen province has invested 40 billion VND (including 20 billion VND from the budget and 20 billion VND from social contributions) to renovate and repair the Memorial House of President Ho Chi Minh.

In addition, at the historical site of Phong Tuong Hill – where President Ho Chi Minh presided over the ceremony of conferring the first General rank on Comrade Vo Nguyen Giap (May 28, 1948) – Military Region 1 has implemented a restoration and renovation project with a total budget of nearly 42 billion VND.

Preserving and restoring historical sites in the Định Hóa Revolutionary Base Area not only demonstrates deep gratitude and appreciation for previous generations but also holds special significance in educating the younger generation about patriotic traditions.

Each year, the historical site welcomes hundreds of thousands of visitors for sightseeing, learning, and research.

Many schools and organizations have chosen the Dinh Hoa Revolutionary Base Area as a location for extracurricular activities, and for admitting new members to the Youth Union, Young Pioneers, and the Communist Party – a vibrant form of education that connects ideals with practical experience.

According to Mr. Bui Huy Toan, Head of the Management Board of the ATK Dinh Hoa Historical and Ecological Relic Area, the Management Board is actively applying digital transformation in the management, introduction, and promotion of the relics.

"We are implementing a traffic guidance system, digitizing historical documents on the website, and coordinating the organization of experiential learning programs for students at the historical site, helping visitors access the heritage in a more visual and engaging way," Mr. Toan said.

Along with heritage preservation efforts, Dinh Hoa today is taking on a new appearance. Building on the revolutionary traditions of its homeland, the Party Committee, government, and people of all ethnic groups in the district are striving to build an increasingly prosperous and civilized homeland.

From a district once facing many difficulties, Dinh Hoa has now made remarkable progress in building new rural areas.

Looking back over more than 70 years, the Dinh Hoa Resistance Zone is not only an indomitable symbol of the history of resistance but is also gradually becoming a resource for cultural and tourism development.

Investing in the restoration of historical sites, combined with community economic development, green tourism, and digital transformation, is a suitable direction for the new era.

From a former resistance base area, Dinh Hoa is undergoing a powerful transformation today – both preserving its heritage and creating momentum for socio-economic development.

The ATK Dinh Hoa heritage site is not only a sacred memory of the nation but is also truly becoming a valuable "asset" – a foundation for the sustainable development journey of Thai Nguyen in particular and the whole country in general.

Source: https://baovanhoa.vn/van-hoa/bien-dia-chi-do-atk-dinh-hoa-thanh-diem-den-van-hoa-lich-su-hap-dan-172951.html