Sustainable urban development in Da Nang

In 1945, Da Nang was a small coastal town whose economy was primarily based on agriculture and fishing. By 2025, Da Nang aims to establish itself as a leading political, economic, cultural, and social center in Central Vietnam. Continuing its 80-year journey, Da Nang strives for higher goals, deserving the title of "most livable city."

The appearance of Da Nang's urban center. Photo: Xuan Son

Eighty years ago – in 1945, the people of Da Nang immersed themselves in the August Revolution, contributing to a historic turning point in achieving national independence. This spirit of patriotism, unity, and self-reliance not only served as a guiding light during the resistance war but also as a powerful driving force for the journey of reform and integration.

Today, amidst rapid globalization and urbanization, Da Nang is inheriting that revolutionary spirit to strive for sustainable development, aiming to become a "livable city" of regional stature.

Highlights that create "bright spots"

Known as the "city of bridges," Da Nang is renowned for its many world-class structures: the Han River Bridge - Vietnam's first rotating bridge, the Dragon Bridge with its fire and water displays, and the globally famous Golden Bridge on top of Ba Na Hill.

Beyond just transportation infrastructure, the city has also taken the lead in planning eco-urban areas such as Hoa Xuan and Nam Hoa Xuan; and developing a high-tech zone spanning over 1,100 hectares – a strategic infrastructure to become the innovation and high-tech center of Central Vietnam.

Tourism is also a highlight, putting Da Nang on the world map as a safe, friendly, and experience-rich destination. The "Enjoy Danang 2025 - Diverse Experience" program is being implemented to diversify tourism products and stimulate domestic and international tourism.

These achievements demonstrate that the spirit of self-reliance and creativity – the core of the August Revolution – has been successfully applied by the city in practice.

Along with its rapid development, Da Nang faces many challenges: traffic congestion; environmental pollution; shortage of social housing; climate change; and population pressure.

To address this, the city quickly chose a smart and sustainable path. Since 2010, Da Nang has been building an e-government system, and in 2019 officially implemented the smart city model.

The 2018-2025 plan, with 53 priority projects, focuses on three pillars: infrastructure; data; and smart applications. As a result, Da Nang has consistently held the leading position nationwide in digital transformation, receiving the Vietnam Smart City award for five consecutive years.

Alongside technological advancements, the city places special emphasis on environmental protection. In response to the "Anti-Plastic Pollution" campaign, numerous initiatives have been implemented, such as markets designed to minimize plastic waste, recycling collection events, and tree planting.

In 2024 alone, more than 150,000 people participated in environmental protection activities, collecting hundreds of tons of recyclable waste, bringing about benefits in both economic terms and community awareness.

These efforts affirm that Da Nang will not sacrifice the environment for growth, and is steadfast in its commitment to sustainable development for the quality of life of its people and future generations.

Breakthrough in a new journey

The merger of Quang Nam and Da Nang opens up new development opportunities with more diverse resources, creating a golden chance for breakthroughs.

However, this comes with a series of challenges: integrated urban planning; environmental protection; narrowing the development gap between the city center and the suburbs; and preserving traditional cultural identity.

To achieve sustainable development, Da Nang needs to implement three groups of strategic solutions.

Smart planning, effective governance: Applying a multi-center urban model, modernizing management, building a digital government and a digital society.

Developing key economic sectors linked to specific mechanisms: Focusing on tourism, logistics, high-tech industries, high-tech agriculture, supporting industries, and cultural industries.

Ensuring social justice and preserving identity: Focusing on healthcare, education, and welfare in suburban areas, while creating community spaces to preserve culture and strengthen solidarity.

This is how the city inherits the spirit of "Unity - Discipline - Breakthrough - Development," transforming challenges into opportunities and building a leading smart and sustainable city in the region.

The spirit of the August Revolution is an undying flame, forging the will for self-reliance, self-strength, and unity of the nation. For Da Nang, it is the source of strength for the city to overcome limitations and break through in its journey to become an ecological, smart, livable city of Asian stature.

Sustainable urban development is Da Nang's way of honoring its history while simultaneously realizing its aspirations for a prosperous and happy future for its people.

Source: https://baodanang.vn/phat-trien-ben-vung-do-thi-da-nang-3300499.html