Unlocking the potential of intangible cultural heritage
With a rich and diverse stock of intangible cultural heritage, Hai Phong is tapping its potential as a driver of development.
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Rich heritage
Hai Phong possesses a stock of intangible cultural heritage widely regarded as among the richest in Vietnam’s northern coastal region.
The city has dozens of recognized heritage elements, including 24 at the national level. These include festivals such as Con Son – Kiep Bac, Tranh Temple, Cao An Phu Temple, the Do Son Buffalo Fighting Festival, the Female General Le Chan Festival, and the Minh The festival, along with folk art forms such as ca tru, hat dum, and water puppetry.
Notably, two elements inscribed by UNESCO - the Worship of the Mother Goddesses of the Three Realms and ca tru singing - affirm Hai Phong’s cultural value on the international stage.
These are not only a source of pride but also a responsibility for preservation and promotion.
Beyond quantity, Hai Phong’s heritage is widely distributed and closely linked to different cultural areas.
From coastal areas such as Do Son and Cat Hai to lowland areas including An Duong, Ninh Giang and Tran Hung Dao, each locality holds distinct values, forming a diverse cultural landscape.
A key feature is that the heritage is mainly concentrated in three groups: performing arts, social practices, and traditional festivals.
These are all highly community-based forms, directly practiced and preserved by local people.
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Keeping heritage alive in modern society
In recent years, Hai Phong has introduced a range of practical measures to preserve and promote intangible cultural heritage.
Efforts to inventory, document and recognize heritage have been systematically implemented.
The development of databases and documentation has improved management efficiency and long-term preservation.
The city has also paid special attention to artisans - those who directly safeguard and transmit heritage.
Policies to honor and support them have been introduced to encourage continued preservation and teaching.
According to Nguyen Ngoc Tien of the Hai Phong Folklore Association, the community itself is the bearer of heritage.
When people actively participate in creation and practice, heritage becomes more sustainable.
Another highlight is the organization of large-scale cultural events and festivals, creating space for heritage to be practiced and shared.
Events such as the Red Flamboyant Festival and street art activities have attracted large numbers of residents and visitors.
Notably, many traditional art forms have been refreshed through programs such as “Theatre Lights On” and “Hai Phong Television Stage,” helping bring traditional arts to audiences via television and digital platforms.
At the same time, education efforts have been strengthened through cultural clubs and schools.
Introducing heritage into education helps younger generations understand and engage with it more naturally.
Hai Phong is also promoting digital transformation in the cultural sector, developing heritage databases, digitizing performances, and promoting them on digital platforms.
This is an important step to bring heritage closer to wider audiences, particularly young people.
In the long term, the city aims to develop cultural industries, viewing heritage as a resource for building distinctive tourism and artistic products.
With its rich heritage base and coordinated solutions, Hai Phong is gradually unlocking the potential of its intangible cultural heritage.
Hai Phong News