Since its recognition as a centrally-governed city on 1 January 1997, Da Nang has made significant cultural, economic and social changes in a bid to achieve the sustainable development goals which are at the heart of the city's strategic plans.

An impressive Tuong extract performed by artistes from the Nguyen Hien Dinh Theater at the ‘The Soul of Viet Nam’ traditional arts show. (Picture was taken in October 2019)

The changing face of Da Nang has made a strong impression on not only the local population but also visitors from both home and abroad. 

Notably, the Da Nang government has rightly placed a high priority on the development of creativity and the promotion of culture across the city.

In particular, the government has already approved to build more cultural works and facilities by 2025.

The preparatory work for the construction of some key cultural works in the city during the year is now underway. These projects include the upgrade of the existing headquarters of the municipal People’s Council at 42 Bach Dang into new Museum of Da Nang, the 2^nd stage of the Dien Hai Citadel restoration and embellishment, the building of Cultural and Historical Park in the Marble Mountains Tourist Area in Ngu Hanh Son District, the restoration and embellishment of the Hai Van Gate national relic site, and the expansion of the Phuoc Ninh and Hoa Vang cemeteries.

At the stressful time when Da Nang is combating against the Covid-19 pandemic, there have been a spike in spontaneous acts of kindness, generosity and empathy across the city.

The vast majority of local people from all walks of life have strictly followed the city’s social distancing rules.

Many individuals, organisations and businesses citywide have offered their helping hand to those in need, as well as give spiritual encouragement to Covid-19 patients and frontline medical workers, in a bid to uplift their spirits amid Covid-19 crisis.

Most notably, on 9 August, more than 60 artistes at both home and abroad teamed up with YouTube for their livestreamed show called ‘Million hearts support Da Nang-Quang Nam’ to raise funds to support the two localities'efforts to fight against Covid-19.

Included were singers Thanh Lam, Bang Kieu, Hong Nhung, Quang Le, Minh Tuyet, Quang Dung, Ngoc Son, Hoai Linh and Dam Vinh Hung, along with Miss Vietnam 2018 Tran Tieu Vy, the first runner-up at Miss World Vietnam 2019 Nguyen Ha Kieu Loan, and Miss Ao Dai 2016 Truong Dieu Ngoc.

As a result, 1.6 billion VND in cash and in-kind donations was raised from the event to help Da Nang and Quang Nam Province tackle the pandemic.

In addition, Hai Phong City, and Binh Dinh, Thua Thien Hue and Nghe An provinces have sent their healthcare workers to Da Nang in order to help the city provide care and treatment for Covid-19 patients.

By HUYNH HUNG - Translated by M.D