Preserving cultural values in the construction of new rural areas.

Along with the rest of the country, from July 1st, Hanoi officially implemented a two-tiered local government model, establishing new communes and wards with large areas and dense populations, and numerous villages with diverse histories and cultures... In this context, preserving and harmonizing the cultural characteristics of each rural area is a strategic direction for the sustainable development of Hanoi's rural areas…

A corner of the ancient village of Đường Lâm (Sơn Tây ward). *Photo: Nguyễn Quang*

Rich in cultural elements

Son Tay Ward is the center of the Doai region, an ancient land rich in historical and cultural values. Among its core, Duong Lam ancient village is considered the "nucleus" with its vast system of national historical sites, such as: Va Temple (dedicated to Saint Tan Vien), Mia Pagoda, Phu Sa communal house, Phung Hung Temple, Ngo Quyen mausoleum… This area preserves the distinctive culture of the hilly region, producing many famous figures, scholars, and a tradition of patriotism.

According to Mr. Phan Van Loi, a local resident, as an ancient village, it has many old festivals and customs, and village meetings are held regularly. On the anniversaries of the deaths of the two kings, Phung Hung and Ngo Quyen, and the scholar Giang Van Minh, according to tradition, the local government organizes the ceremony, while the households in the village contribute to the commemoration. After the ceremony, the whole village gathers to partake in the offerings. "This is a unique and beautiful tradition that strengthens the bonds of community," Mr. Phan Van Loi proudly said.

In Dan Phuong commune, thanks to the new rural development program, the villages are becoming increasingly spacious, prosperous, and beautiful. In particular, many village gates have been newly built, featuring unique architectural styles reflecting the local culture, while still ensuring convenient access for fire trucks and ambulances. The village gates of Dong Khe, Doai Khe, Co Ngoa Ha, Thu Que, etc., have contributed to the cultural beauty of Hanoi's new rural areas.

According to the Hanoi Office for Coordinating the New Rural Development Program, village culture contributes to many beautiful traditional aspects of Vietnamese culture. These include "neighborly solidarity," "helping each other in times of need," fostering community cohesion and a spirit of unity. In this era of openness and integration, the cultural exchange between Vietnam and the world, and between urban and rural areas, is raising numerous issues in the preservation of traditional culture. Therefore, in the context of building new rural areas, the Steering Committee of Program No. 04-Ctr/TU of the Hanoi City Party Committee on "Promoting the effective implementation of the National Target Program for building new rural areas in conjunction with restructuring the agricultural sector and developing the rural economy , improving the material and spiritual lives of farmers in the 2021-2025 period" regularly reminds localities that: Building new rural areas must adhere to planning, rural areas must be harmoniously integrated with urban areas, and have the function of preserving landscapes, balancing ecosystems, creating environmental buffer zones, and preserving cultural values... Many rural areas have become and are becoming models in promoting cultural values, boosting the economy, and fostering community cohesion…

Conservation and development

The new rural landscape in Ung Thien commune looks much more modern and attractive. Photo: Quang Thai — The new rural landscape in Ung Thien commune looks much more modern and attractive. *Photo: Quang Thai*

Along with the rest of the country, from July 1st, Hanoi began operating a two-tiered local government model, streamlining the administrative apparatus and improving management efficiency. Many merged communes are now very large, encompassing numerous villages and hamlets with distinct cultural and historical characteristics. This is a correct step in terms of administrative organization but also poses a significant challenge in preserving and promoting local cultural values.

Phuc Loc commune was formed by merging five former communes: Nam Ha, Van Phuc, Xuan Dinh, Sen Phuong, and Vong Xuyen, with over 60,000 inhabitants and 46 villages. It boasts dozens of traditional festivals, numerous historical relics, and traditional crafts. According to To Van Sang, Secretary of the Phuc Loc Commune Party Committee, after the new administrative structure became operational, the commune immediately held meetings and worked with the village heads throughout the commune to implement tasks. In the cultural sector, the commune continues to maintain movements to keep village roads, alleys, hamlets, and residential areas bright, green, clean, beautiful, and safe; preserve, restore, and prevent the degradation of historical and cultural relics; and promote a civilized lifestyle in rural areas…

Similarly, O Dien commune, formed by the merger of seven former communes: Hong Ha, Lien Hong, Lien Ha, Lien Trung, Tan Hoi, Tan Lap, and Ha Mo, is home to many villages and hamlets with diverse customs, traditions, festivals, and handicrafts. Without proper guidance and support policies, the risk of these traditional values being forgotten or faded is very real. Therefore, as the administrative scale expanded, the commune leaders determined that what needed to be done was not to "standardize" the culture, but to "map it out"—that is, to clearly identify, preserve, and promote the unique characteristics of each village and hamlet, creating a rich, diverse, and sustainable shared identity.

Hanoi is aiming to build advanced and model new rural areas, with culture being a crucial criterion. The city prioritizes resources from the National Target Program and other funding sources to preserve and restore the cultural spaces of traditional craft villages, national and city-level historical sites in potential localities. Building new rural areas should not only focus on increased income and improved infrastructure but also on preserving the cultural essence of rural life… Each village has its own customs, traditions, and unique beauty. Therefore, preserving and promoting the distinctive traditional cultural values of each region is of particular importance to the thousand-year-old capital city.

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