Huong Son is a place of beautiful scenery.

Throughout history, the people of Huong Son ( Ha Tinh province ), with their unwavering determination, have always stood together, reclaiming and cultivating the vast hills and mountains to create a prosperous homeland...

Sweet scent of the earth, human warmth

Every time I travel back to Huong Son, stepping across Linh Cam Bridge, it's as if a door to time has opened, allowing me to return to the memories of my homeland. According to history, the name Huong Son district dates back to 1469, during the reign of King Le Thanh Tong.

The Bach Van Temple in An Hoa Thinh commune was founded by Doctor Dinh Nho Cong after he passed the doctoral examination in the year Canh Tuat (1670).

My hometown, Huong Son, is a mountainous district stretching along the majestic Truong Son mountain range. Its topography resembles a basin nestled within an arc, dotted with high peaks such as Ba Mu, Giang Man, Thien Nhan, and Mong Ga... The misty mountains, mountain winds, rivers, and unique soil have contributed to the abundance of local products like tea, mandarin oranges, and deer antlers... In particular, the essence of the land and the air have combined to create the vital energy that has allowed this region to flourish and continuously thrive over time.

Huong Son is also a land rich in cultural heritage, with many ancient temples and pagodas that have become ingrained in the consciousness of the local people, such as Tuong Son Pagoda (Son Giang commune), Bach Van Temple, Thinh Xa Pagoda (An Hoa Thinh commune)... The entire district has 51 historical and cultural relics, including 11 national-level relics and 40 provincial-level relics.

Blessed with natural endowments, this land has produced many talented individuals who achieved high academic success. According to the Huong Son Gazetteer, from the late 15th century to the end of the Le Dynasty, the entire district had 7 doctorates, and a considerable number of people passed the provincial examinations. During this period, there were 19 provincial scholars (those who passed the four examinations) and many students (those who passed the three examinations). During the Nguyen Dynasty, education flourished even more, with the number of educated people and those who passed the examinations concentrated in several villages belonging to the Yen Ap, Do Xa, and Huu Bang districts, which are the downstream communes today such as Son Bang, Son Trung, and Son Phu...

The tomb of the renowned physician Hai Thuong Lan Ong in Son Trung commune.

In particular, Huong Son is also known as the birthplace of the great physician Hai Thuong Lan Ong Le Huu Trac. According to historical documents, in 1746 of the 18th century, Huong Son, his mother's homeland, was where the great physician settled. On this picturesque land, he immersed himself in nature, creating "Gia Mountain and Sen Lake." Not only did he admire the moon and discuss poetry, but he also diligently studied plants and flowers day and night, researching valuable remedies to cure diseases and save lives.

He left behind the book "Hai Thuong Y Tong Tam Linh" (Hai Thuong Medical Treatise) with 28 volumes and 66 books, as well as many other valuable books that will be cherished for generations to come. Remembering the great physician's contributions, the people of Huong Son have a saying: "His love for Lan Ong is like a river by the mountains / The whole village and district are grateful to him for life." Every year, the Hai Thuong Lan Ong festival is organized by the government and people of Huong Son district on the 13th and 14th of January, attracting a large number of visitors from all over.

Regardless of the era, the people of Huong Son have always known how to overcome difficulties and transform potential into livelihoods. Despite countless hardships, the people here, with their unwavering will, have worked together to reclaim and cultivate the vast hills and mountains, creating a prosperous homeland. The dense forests and numerous streams have created lush green woodlands that remain vibrant throughout the year. The forests of Huong Son are a precious gift from nature, providing vegetation and water resources for the land and its people.

Through hard work and production, with their hands and minds, the people of Huong Son have created products that embody the soul of their homeland, such as Xa Lang wood carvings, Thinh Xa weaving, and specialties like deer antlers and mandarin oranges... famous both within and outside the province.

Rising up and "awakening"

The tea hills in Son Kim 2 commune have become a popular destination attracting many young people to visit.

The land and sky of Huong Son have combined to produce deer antler velvet, which locals call "heavenly bounty," and is very good for human health. Only in Huong Son can you find the juicy pomelo trees and the fragrant honey of the vast forests... This region is also famous for tourist destinations such as: Son Kim Hot Spring Ecotourism Area (Son Kim 1 commune); tea hills in Tien Phong, Thanh Dung, and Lang Che villages... (Son Kim 2 commune)...

An aerial view of the Hai Thuong Eco-tourism Area. (Photo: Anh Duong)

In particular, closely associated with the Hai Thuong Lan Ong historical site complex, the Hai Thuong Eco-tourism Area (Son Trung commune) is considered a "green gem" amidst the mountains and forests. It preserves historical and cultural values ​​linked to the life and career of the great physician and is a typical highlight of Huong Son tourism, harmoniously combining eco-tourism with cultural tourism.

The people of Huong Son are actively developing their economy through deer farming.

Today, beside the picturesque Ngan Pho River, at the foot of the majestic Thien Nhan Mountain, Huong Son district continues to strive to overcome difficulties. From a poor, isolated rural area, the appearance of its villages and towns has transformed with the vibrant colors of modern life. To date, Huong Son has 1,780 economic models generating incomes exceeding 100 million VND per year. The district has 95 cooperatives, 338 cooperative groups, and 656 enterprises... Thanks to this, the material and spiritual lives of the people are constantly improving.

Notably, the UNESCO General Assembly, at its 42nd session, recently adopted a resolution listing 53 cultural figures, including Hai Thuong Lan Ong Le Huu Trac.

Sharing her joy, Ms. Le Thi Phuong, Deputy Secretary of the Party Committee of Quang Diem commune – the birthplace of the great physician Hai Thuong Lan Ong's mother – excitedly said: “The fact that the great physician Hai Thuong Lan Ong has been honored by UNESCO is truly a great source of pride for the people of Quang Diem commune in particular and Huong Son district in general. This will be a driving force for the Party Committee, the government, and the people of Quang Diem commune to strive to build a more prosperous, beautiful, and civilized homeland, worthy of what the great physician Le Huu Trac passed down to future generations.”

Mr. Ho Thai Son, Vice Chairman of the People's Committee of Huong Son District, shared: "As a mountainous locality with a harsh climate, intense sunshine and heavy rainfall, the people here have overcome all obstacles, working diligently and persistently to build a new life. The people of Huong Son are characterized by their straightforwardness, boldness, and unwavering loyalty. These distinctive traits have created a unique character for the people here. The locality is gradually striving to develop socio-economic aspects, strengthening social mobilization efforts to preserve and promote tourism and heritage... In particular, the locality is planning a series of activities to commemorate the 300th anniversary of the birth of Hai Thuong Lan Ong Le Huu Trac, which will take place next year. This event will contribute to encouraging and motivating people to raise their awareness and responsibility in preserving the values ​​that the great physician left for posterity."

The charming countryside of Huong Son is striving to change every day. Whether far away or nearby, when mentioning Huong Son, the following folk verse resonates in everyone's mind: "Huong Son tea, green leaves, bitter water / Huong Son silk, refreshing to the heart / White rice and fresh fish all year round / I advise you to go there, lest you regret it someday..."

Anh Thùy

Source: https://baohatinh.vn/nui-hong-song-la/huong-son-non-nuoc-huu-tinh/258123.htm