The Da Nang authorities recently approved a project on refurbishing the Thac Gian Communal House in an attempt to preserve this national-level historical relic site.

The Thac Gian Communal House

The upgrade of the house is expected to cost around 900 million VND (equivalent to over 39 USD) which will be funded by the city budget. The municipal Department of Culture and Sports is the project’s developer.

Skilled artisans from Hue City have been invited to participate in this restoration project. The refurbishment work is under the monitoring of the Vishnu Hue Joint Stock Company, the Da Nang Department of Culture and Sports, the Thanh Khe District authorities, and the Management Board of the house.

Ms Nguyen Thi Le Hoa, Deputy Head of the Thanh Khe District Culture and Sports Office, highlighted the importance of the upgrade of the house in preserving the cultural values of the district. She remarked the restoration work received strong support from the local authorities and the Management Board of the house.

According to local senior residents, the communal house was initially made of bamboo trunks and leaves, covering an area of over 2,000m² near the Thanh Binh Beach.

Nowadays, the house is located in a crowded residential area in a small alley near the Cai lang T-junction in Thac Gian Ward.

In the past, a house of worship back-to-back the site was a rest stop for postmen or mandarins from Hue City. At present, the venue is a place for organising gatherings for senior residents. Inside the house has a display of 18 honour-conferring diplomas and 38 imperial decrees under the Le and Nguyen dynasties.

The traditional Thac Gian Communal House Festival is held annually on the 10^th day of the 3^rd lunar month. The event aims to remind the younger generations of long-lasting traditions, as well as to preserve and promote the village’s cultural identity.

Over recent years, the festival has been on a larger scale and more imposing. Especially, a Poetry Night is held at the house on the 15^th day of the 1^st lunar month every year.  

Currently, the communal house is a wonderful place for those who want to learn more about the history and culture of a Vietnamese ancient village. The venue is also ideal for organising gatherings for locals to help them enjoy relaxing moments away from the hustle and bustle of the city, and uphold the community spirit.