Culture is the spiritual foundation, both the goal and the driving force for economic development. Conclusion No. 79-KL/TW of the Politburo on continuing to implement Resolution No. 43-NQ/TW of the Politburo (12^th tenure) on building and developing Da Nang by 2030, with a vision toward 2045 clearly states: investing in cultural and human development in a synchronous manner, on par with economic development, bringing the image of a civilized Da Nang with a strong national identity closer to international friends... Inheriting and promoting the cultural values of the Quang land, up to now, the formation and building of Da Nang people with their own cultural identity has had certain positive results.

Tourists visit the Da Nang Museum of Cham Sculpture. Photo: DOAN HAO LUONG

Traditional cultural identity

Since becoming an administrative unit directly under the national government, the city has continuously developed in the direction of industrialization and modernization. State management in the field of developing culture and people in the city has recorded important achievements. Social awareness of the position and role of culture and people in development has many positive changes.

New values of culture and people in the period of industrialisation and integration are being formed and affirmed. The results of building the image of civilized and friendly people of Da Nang have initially created unique highlights and ‘brands’ for domestic and international tourists.

From a geo-cultural perspective, Da Nang is located in a sacred land with outstanding people, associated with the tradition of studiousness and passion for creativity, a land that converges all marine, agricultural and urban culture. Da Nang people have a tradition of ardent patriotism which are still marked by relics such as Dien Hai Citadel, K20 Revolutionary Base, B1 Hong Phuoc Revolutionary Base...

According to Mr. Bui Xuan, the former Deputy Head of the Department of Publicity and Training of the Da Nang Party Committee, when living on a land rich in historical traditions, generations are influenced by that value, nurtured by that value to gain a depth of knowledge and history, thereby enriching the cultural and historical values of the people of the locality. The human soul also becomes deeper.

“It must be said that Da Nang was blessed with a favourable natural environment. The city has sea, rivers, mountains... Da Nang dwellers are also cultural people,” Mr. Bui Xuan shared.

On the basis of those traditional cultural values, combined with the influence of urbanization, industrialization, and modernization, Da Nang's culture today both preserves traditional cultural features and carries the modern cultural features of a young, civilized city. The traditional cultural values that Da Nang people have preserved and developed over the centuries have created an intrinsic cultural strength, shaping a distinct personality for the land and people of Da Nang.

Building a civilized, friendly people

Da Nang people with the simple and generous nature of the coastal people, along with their friendliness, openness, kindness, and hospitality have left many good impressions on others in other Vietnamese localities, along with tourists at home and aborad.

On the basis of Quang culture and persistently implementing the goal of ‘Having a cultural and civilized urban lifestyle’, the city has so far built a fairly high level of cultural behaviour, reflecting the character of coastal urban residents. It is a way of life that both accepts modern civilization and maintains the characteristics of traditional culture.

Deputy Director of the Da Nang Fine Arts Museum Nguyen Thi Trinh said that when it comes to the culture of Da Nang people, Quang culture is the root. In the process of development, there is exchange but still maintains the identity of the people of Quang Nam - Da Nang, the core of which is the people of the Quang land, who are loyal and honest. Besides, it is necessary to build a learning society, respect the law and preserve the beauty in communication and behaviour.

Building a city of art and culture will contribute to bringing art and culture to nurture people's souls, making people behave gently and harmoniously with each other. In particular, it is necessary to respect cultural differences for the city to develop, people coming to Da Nang will enrich Da Nang culture. They not only understand the culture of Quang Nam, but also bring cultural features of other lands to enrich the culture of Da Nang people. It is those who come from other places and witness the respect of this land that will help them stay long-term and contribute to Da Nang.

In order to promote the achievements and overcome the limitations and difficulties to build a civilized and friendly Da Nang people, as a foundation and driving force for sustainable development, the municipal People's Committee has issued a project on cultural and social development in sync with economic development, focusing on building a civilized and friendly Da Nang people, as a foundation for building a peaceful and livable city, forming unique identity values, in line with the traditions, history and culture of Da Nang people in the 2022 - 2030 period.

The project will focus on two key contents: building and developing Da Nang culture and people to evaluate and synthesize resources and solutions in the field of culture and society in human development as well as creating a significant change in culture to build a system of human values in Da Nang in the new period.

Reporting by DOAN HAO LUONG - Translating by A.THU