Ho Dynasty Citadel: A World Cultural Heritage site whose value continues to be preserved and promoted.

According to Decision 1316/QD-TTg (2015), the heritage site covers an area of over 5,078 hectares, including a core zone of 155.5 hectares and a buffer zone of over 4,900 hectares, providing an important legal basis for long-term conservation. Based on this foundation, Thanh Hoa province has invested hundreds of billions of VND in restoration and renovation projects, including over 745 billion VND in the 2022-2025 period and over 345 billion VND in the 2025-2028 period, demonstrating a strong commitment to UNESCO regarding the preservation and promotion of the global value of Ho Citadel.

A panoramic view of Ho Citadel from above, a unique stone structure in Vietnam, recognized by UNESCO as a World Cultural Heritage site in 2011.

Large-scale archaeological work, covering a total area of over 56,000 square meters and with an investment of over 90 billion VND, has shed light on many historical and architectural values of the heritage site. Many sections of the city walls and stone gates have been reinforced to prevent erosion and preserved in their original state. Simultaneously, intangible cultural values and community traditions in the buffer zone have also been emphasized through training programs, awareness campaigns, and experiential activities.

Regarding tourism development, the Ho Dynasty Citadel Heritage Exploitation Project (2016) aims to attract 800,000 visitors per year by 2030, generating revenue of approximately 2 trillion VND. Currently, four main tourist routes have been established, connecting the heritage site with traditional craft villages, historical relics, and buffer zone landscapes. During the 2021-2025 period, the heritage site welcomed over 1 million visitors, including nearly 8,700 international tourists – the highest number ever recorded.

Digital transformation has also been accelerated with the development of 3D explanatory systems, digital satellite maps (MAP GIS), and the digitization of all records and artifacts. Promotional activities have been strongly implemented online, combined with exhibitions, heritage education activities, and community tourism.

The delegation of Political Attachés from the U.S. Embassy in Vietnam visited and worked at the Ho Dynasty Citadel Heritage Site.

Currently, the Ho Citadel Heritage Conservation Center has 32 staff members, many of whom have received specialized training in cultural management, archaeology, tourism, and information technology. However, conservation efforts still face challenges regarding funding, human resources, and investment procedures.

Nevertheless, Ho Citadel remains a shining example in the preservation of Vietnamese cultural heritage. Efforts in restoration, research, digital transformation, and tourism development are helping this heritage site continue to shine, worthy of its World Cultural Heritage status and a source of pride for Thanh Hoa province and the world.

Source: https://baophapluat.vn/thanh-nha-ho-di-san-van-hoa-the-gioi-tiep-tuc-duoc-bao-ton-va-phat-huy-gia-tri.html