Da Nang is now home to 88 ranked relics of different types such as scenic spots, ancient citadels, revolutionary bases, and archaeological sites. In recent years, the city leaders have always concentrated on mobilising large resources to promptly restore and embellish degraded relics, meeting the religious needs of people from all walks of life.

Leaders of the Da Nang Department of Culture and Sports and the Thanh Khe District performing the launching ceremony of the project to restore and embellish the Memorial House of Mother Nhu and the 7 Thanh Khe Heroes. Photo: X.D

Restoration of degraded relics

From 2016 to late 2023, the city had 54 degraded historical and cultural relics repaired and upgraded with a total cost of nearly VND410 billion. In 2023 alone, the city upgraded and embellished many relics such as the Hoa Vang Martyrs' Cemetery in Cam Le District, Mr. Phan Cong Thien's grave in Lien Chieu District, and Van Duong and Duong Lam village communal houses in Hoa Vang District.

Among them, the project to restore the Hoa Vang Martyrs' Cemetery was completed to mark the 165^th anniversary of Da Nang's resistance war against the French (1858-2023).

Starting in September 2023, the project to repair and restore the Van Duong village communal house in Hoa Lien Commune was completed in January 2024, promptly serving the spiritual and religious needs of local people during Tet.

Chairman of the Hoa Lien Commune People's Committee Le Duc Thuong said that the nearly VND8 billion project focused on restoring the main village communal house architecture and screens, building three-entrance gates, repairing a shrine worshiping Than Nong (God of Agriculture), and building a new ‘Tru’ house combined with a surrounding fence.

During the implementation of the project, Van Duong villagers actively contributed human and material resources to build auxiliary items and purchase worship items for the communal house.

“Up to now, the communal house has been restored to its original state in accordance with the wishes of the people. The local government and people are very happy and make efforts to preserve and promote the cultural and historical values ​​of the village communal house in the years ahead," Mr. Thuong said.

In 2024, the Da Nang People's Committee assigned the municipal Department of Culture and Sports to implement two projects on renovating the 'Mother Nhu and 7 Thanh Khe Heroes' memorial house and the Thac Gian village communal house, both in Thanh Khe District.

In addition, the People's Committees of the districts have plans to implement a number of projects such as expanding, renovating and restoring the temple of Thai clan in Cam Le District; and renovating and expanding the Ba Than Xu Ha temple in Son Tra District.

In late 2023, the municipal Department of Culture and Sports in coordination with the Thanh Khe District People's Committee held a ceremony to launch a project on restoring and embellishing the 'Mother Nhu and 7 Thanh Khe Heroes' memorial house.

Mr. Pham Phu Ly, Mother Nhu's third child, said that after a long period of use, items of the project such as memorial houses, huts and secret tunnels were degraded. In particular, fences and house walls were seriously damaged, and suffered from peeling and dampness.

“My family is extremely happy and excited about the project. Hopefully, the project will create a clean and beautiful landscape for officials and people, especially the younger generation, to visit and learn about history" Mr. Ly expressed.

Ensuring quality of projects

Basically, the restored relics in the city all ensure quality requirements, without distorting the constituent elements. During the process of developing a plan to restore relics, the units assigned as investors always coordinate closely with local authorities and the relic management board to listen to opinions in order to complete the restoration in accordance with regulations and ensure the technical and aesthetic requirements of the project.

Director of the Da Nang Museum Huynh Dinh Quoc Thien said that projects on preserving, repairing and restoring relics in the city were always of concern to the city. Most of the relics, after being completed and handed over, were highly appreciated by local authorities and residents.

“In general, projects on restoring and embellishing relics in Da Nang are carried out quite quickly, completed ahead of schedule. The city also prioritises the selection of units with extensive experience in restoring and embellishing relics in Hue. Therefore, after completion and handover to the locality for use, these projects will ensure quality and be durable over time," Mr. Thien said.

According to Director of the city’s Department of Culture and Sports Pham Tan Xu, the department has directed the Da Nang Museum to review all relics in the city, and promptly report degraded ones to the Department to the municipal People's Committee to allocate funds for embellishment and restoration.

In addition, localities also proactively allocate funds for implementing small-scale repair activities, organising festivals, investing in signage and directly managing relics.

Currently, the cultural sector is accelerating the implementation of a number of major projects such as the 2^nd stage of the Dien Hai Citadel restoration and embellishment; the preservation and promotion of the archaeological value of Cham Phong Le; and the preservation, repair and restoration of Hai Van Gate’s values.

“After being restored, the relics will be studied and evaluated for their ability to promote value for tourism development. Therefore, the department hopes that localities where relics are located will preserve and promote heritage values ​​well, creating soft power to develop the city," Mr. Xu shared.

Reporting by KHOI NGUYEN - Translating by M.DUNG