From a rice-growing countryside to Dong Trieu City today

Inheriting a rich cultural and historical tradition, Dong Trieu has continuously strived in the process of building new rural areas and developing urban areas, contributing to improving both the quality and quantity of people's lives. It has been a long journey filled with hardships, determination, and extraordinary efforts to transform this former rice-growing region into the vibrant city of Quang Ninh today.

Dong Trieu is the western gateway area of Quang Ninh province, with a unique geographical location nestled against mountains and facing a large river. Even today, traces of temples remain, such as Quynh Lam Pagoda, built during the Ly Dynasty, with its large stone stele that has withstood thousands of years of rain, sun, and countless historical changes. Even further back, during the time of the Trung Sisters, the female general Le Chan resided in Ven village, now part of Thuy An commune…

Quynh Lam Pagoda was built during the Ly Dynasty and was recently renovated in 2020.

The Dong Trieu area is also a major cultural heritage site of the Tran Dynasty, with a dense system of temples, pagodas, shrines, and tombs, which were specially recognized as national relics in the first round in 1962, demonstrating the glorious past of this place. Through the research and archaeological findings of scientists , many gaps regarding the Tran Dynasty's heritage have been gradually filled, affirming Dong Trieu as the ancestral homeland of the Tran Dynasty, one of the most glorious dynasties in Vietnamese history in terms of both civil and military achievements.

Later, the heritage system here, which had been destroyed for various reasons, was gradually restored, from An Sinh Temple, Ngoa Van hermitage and pagoda (where King Tran Nhan Tong attained enlightenment), Thai Mieu (where the Tran royal family is worshipped), then Trung Tiet Pagoda, Quynh Lam Pagoda, Canh Huong Pagoda, Ho Thien Pagoda, and the tombs of the Tran kings… The entire Tran Dynasty heritage area of over 2,000 hectares has been planned, creating a unique cultural and spiritual tourism region. This is also an important component within the Yen Tu - Vinh Nghiem - Con Son - Kiet Bac complex of historical sites and scenic spots, which is being proposed for UNESCO World Heritage status.

Sharing with us, Mr. Nguyen Quang Nha, former Secretary of the District Party Committee and former Chairman of the People's Committee of Dong Trieu District, once expressed: Dong Trieu is a land with a rich cultural tradition dating back to ancient times, leaving behind many beautiful and valuable traces. This has greatly influenced the thoughts and perceptions of the people of Dong Trieu, past and present, with a sense of honor and pride in the traditions of their homeland and ancestors.

The process of building new rural areas has helped improve the lives of farmers and develop high-value agricultural economy in Dong Trieu.

Continuing that fine tradition, when the French colonialists invaded and exploited the Mao Khe mine - the first coal mine of Quang Ninh in Dong Trieu - the revolutionary movement there surged with the birth of the first Communist Party branch of the mining region, with many pioneering Party members such as Nguyen Van Cu, Hoang Quoc Viet, Nguyen Duc Canh, etc.

Mr. Nha recalled: "The Dong Trieu War Zone was established very early and was the first in the country to seize power. After June 8, 1945, it established a revolutionary government from the district level down to the grassroots. From March to August 1945, the War Zone fulfilled its historical mission and achieved tremendous success, not only liberating Dong Trieu but also the entire Northeast region and Hai Phong City. By 1947, the French attacked and completely occupied Dong Trieu, opening up the resistance war against the French by the people and army of Dong Trieu. The district's base was in the forest, while guerrilla zones were formed in the villages, such as the Yen Duc and Nguyen Hue guerrilla zones... The French could sweep through the villages, but they had to leave again. The guerrillas resisted the sweeps; people clung to their land and villages very fiercely."

In peacetime, Dong Trieu proudly stands as a key agricultural district of the province, boasting significant achievements in irrigation, crop restructuring, land consolidation, and the development of concentrated rice and crop cultivation areas, as well as specialized fruit growing regions. Infrastructure such as electricity, roads, schools, and health stations have also received attention, resulting in outstanding achievements throughout the province. Dong Trieu became the first district in Northern Vietnam to achieve the status of a "New Rural District" in 2015. In 2020, 100% of Dong Trieu's communes achieved the status of "Advanced New Rural District" and continue their journey of improving quality and building model new rural areas. This has improved the income and living standards of farmers, promoting a high-value agricultural economy and sustainable development of the locality.

The Trieu Bridge, connecting Dong Trieu with Kinh Mon town in Hai Duong province, was built and put into operation in early 2021. Photo: Le Dai (Contributor)

Regarding urban development, in 2015, Dong Trieu was upgraded from a district to a town, and in 2020 it was recognized as a type III urban area by the Ministry of Construction. Over the past period, the town has actively implemented three strategic breakthroughs, mobilizing and effectively utilizing resources for investment in infrastructure construction and development. From 2021-2025, Dong Trieu has mobilized 27,500 billion VND from state budget and socialized capital to invest in the comprehensive upgrading of transportation, technical, urban infrastructure, water supply and drainage systems, and improving the quality of life for its residents.

Regarding transportation infrastructure, Dong Trieu currently has regional connecting routes, including National Highway 18, Dong Mai Bridge (connecting Chi Linh City, Hai Duong), Trieu Bridge (connecting Kinh Mon town, Hai Duong), and upgraded provincial roads. In addition, Lai Xuan Bridge (connecting to Thuy Nguyen district, Hai Phong), and a riverside road connecting the Ha Long - Hai Phong expressway to Dong Trieu town are under construction, promising development prospects for the western part of Quang Ninh. With the concept of urban development within rural areas, and city life within villages, many villages in Dong Trieu are becoming increasingly green, clean, and beautiful…

On September 28, 2024, the Standing Committee of the National Assembly passed a Resolution on the establishment of Dong Trieu City, officially effective from November 1, 2024. This is an opportunity for this land rich in cultural and revolutionary traditions to continue its development journey with a new position, new momentum, and new vitality as a young city today.

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