In early spring, we visit Xuan Truong and go on a spring outing to Hanh Thien village.

Hành Thiện village, Xuân Hồng commune, Xuân Trường district, Nam Định province, resembles a peaceful "ancient town" - Photo: Hành Thiện village

This rural area, situated along the Red River, has a name that evokes the vibrant energy of spring, of youth, and of enthusiasm.

From my early childhood, I was nurtured and enriched by the abundant food grown on the fertile alluvial soil, deposited by three rivers. I was also cultivated by the boundless knowledge of the "great minds" of this land, including figures such as Dang Xuan Bang, Phan Ba ​​Vanh, the late General Secretary Truong Chinh, Vu Khieu, and the late businessman Tran Van Cuong...

It is thanks to these vibrant sources and rich traditions that my hometown of Xuan Truong has nurtured countless individuals who have contributed to the country in almost every field.

The arrival of Tet (Lunar New Year) in Xuan Truong is truly special. It's a time when those living far from home reunite with their families, and a time when visitors from all over come to this land to celebrate, participate in traditional games like the characteristic boat race, or find peace and tranquility at ancient temples, pagodas, and Catholic churches that have stood for generations.

Ngoc Tien village festival, Xuan Truong district, Nam Dinh province - Photo: Ngoc Tien village

First, we must mention Hành Thiện village and Ngọc Tiên village - two villages located very close to each other in Xuân Hồng commune.

The village of Hành Thiện, named by a royal decree of Emperor Minh Mạng, encourages its people to always be diligent, virtuous, and studious. The village of Hành Thiện, known for its "exemplary customs," still preserves these cultural values, along with its well-preserved architecture resembling an ancient town. The majestic and serene Keo Pagoda in Hành Thiện continues to welcome visitors every day.

To the north lies Ngoc Tien village, formerly known by the beautiful name Nam Thien Ngoc Ap. It is remarkable and impressive how this small village has preserved such diverse cultures and beliefs, harmoniously combined at Ngoc Tien Pagoda, Ngoc Tien Church, and the historical site of Do Cua Ga (where the French colonial government once built the Cua Ga airport).

Visitors will have memorable experiences when attending the Ngoc Tien village festival on the 15th day of the first lunar month, with a variety of games such as swinging on a swing, duck catching, coin picking, and most uniquely, the rice cooking competition following a closed process of "stockpiling grain for famine" that is only found at the Ngoc Tien festival.

The people of Xuan Truong always remind each other that:

No matter where you go in the three regions of Vietnam, remember to come back for the Ngoc Tien Festival.

No matter how busy you are, when the Lantern Festival is held, come back to Ngoc Tien.

Besides its riverine culture and the distinctive culture of Northern Vietnam, Xuan Truong also bears the strong imprint of Catholicism in Vietnam.

Phu Nhai Cathedral, Bui Chu Church, Nam Dien Church... are landmarks that any tourist should visit to admire the blend of Gothic architecture, Spanish Baroque architecture, and ancient Vietnamese architecture.

An Cư village festival, Xuân Vinh commune, Nam Định province - Photo: XUÂN THỦY

There are so many more unique landmarks, cuisines , and cultural aspects of Xuan Truong that I want to introduce and promote to everyone. From Xuan Dai fragrant rice, Hong Thien silk, Thuy Nhai tofu, Xuan Bac silkworms, to Tu Lac - Tho Nghiep pagoda, An Cu waterworks... It's impossible to describe everything in one article. I hope you'll all come and experience my beloved hometown of Xuan Truong soon!

Another spring has arrived, a special year for the Vietnamese economy in general and Xuan Truong, Nam Dinh in particular. Wishing our homeland great success, prosperity, and a flourishing future.

In particular, this son of the homeland wishes to send his warmest wishes to the coastal villages of Xuan Truong, Hai Hau, and Giao Thuy in Nam Dinh province, hoping they will make strong breakthroughs, so that spring will always endure in the hearts of every beloved son of the region.

There are only 5 days left until the end of the "My Tet Moment" contest.

The "My Tet Moment" contest is an opportunity for readers to share beautiful moments and unforgettable experiences from Tet with family and friends.

Each article should be a maximum of 1,000 words in Vietnamese, and including photos, photo series, or videos is encouraged.

Your entry should share your favorite destinations and unique places to visit. Through your story, you will help many people discover new lands and must-see locations for spring travel.

It could be an article documenting moments of friends and family gathering, celebrating Tet (Lunar New Year), and having fun together.

These are notes and accounts of personal experiences from trips and business trips away from home during the Lunar New Year holidays that you have experienced.

The photo contest highlights the beauty of landmarks, places, or regions you've visited. This is an opportunity to tell the story of the vibrant colors and beautiful scenery of Vietnam or the countries you've been to.

From January 25th to February 24th (the 15th day of the first lunar month of the Year of the Dragon), readers can submit their entries to khoanhkhactet@tuoitre.com.vn.

The awards ceremony and closing event are scheduled to take place in March 2024. The prize structure includes 1 first prize (15 million VND in cash and gifts), 2 second prizes (7 million VND and gifts), and 3 third prizes (5 million VND and gifts).

The program is sponsored by HDBank.

Source: https://tuoitre.vn/dau-xuan-ve-manh-dat-xuan-truong-du-xuan-lang-hanh-thien-20240216184831574.htm