Cultural heritage is an invaluable property, connecting ethnic communities, as the core of national identity. It is also a symbol of longevity, a bridge between the past, present and future. Over the years, cultural heritage has contributed significantly to historical education, cultivating the fine traditions of the nation. Heritage is also a product of tourism development, creating a transformation of the local economic structure. Along with that, the resident community in the place of heritage is more aware of the value of the heritage, pride in tradition, and sense of responsibility to protect this property. In the integration process, cultural heritage is also a channel to introduce the fine traditional cultural values of ethnic groups to foreign tourists, helping the world understand more about the country and people of Vietnam. At the same time, it is the basis for creating new values and cultural exchange.

Realizing the importance and value of cultural heritage, the Party Committee and the government of An Giang province always pay attention to leading and directing the work of preserving, protecting and promoting the value of cultural heritage in the cause of socio-economic development; considering this an important task, one of the driving forces creating the identity and endogenous strength in the development process of the province. The whole province currently has 10 national treasures; 8 cultural heritages are included in the List of National Intangible Cultural Heritage, 2 intangible cultural heritages are recognized as Representative Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. Of which, the Via Ba Chua Xu Festival of Sam Mountain was officially recognized by UNESCO as Representative Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity on December 04, 2024.

In addition, the province currently has 90 ranked relics (2 special national relics, 28 national relics and 60 provincial relics), with various types of relics such as: architectural and artistic relics, archaeological relics, scenic spots, cultural history, memorials of famous people... "Each ranked relic has a different historical, cultural and artistic value, but together they create a colorful picture of An Giang land. The province also possesses a unique and diverse treasure of intangible cultural heritage of the Kinh, Khmer, Cham and Chinese ethnic communities. This is not only a rich source of cultural heritage but also a strength and potential for tourism development" - Deputy Director of the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism of An Giang province, Truong Ba Trang, said.

The work of preserving cultural heritages, managing and organizing festivals, protecting heritages, restoring and embellishing relics of the province has been focused on and actively implemented, especially the construction of scientific records to rank relics and the work of preserving and promoting the value of intangible cultural heritage. The province is interested in supporting investment in the restoration of historical and cultural relics and the restoration and repair of communal houses in the area. In 2024, the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism of the province developed a Project to preserve and promote the value of the Khmer Di Ke performing art heritage of An Giang and a Project to preserve and promote the value of the Cham weaving heritage of An Giang; survey 15 relics on the restoration and embellishment of relics; complete the map of the zoning of protected areas of historical - cultural relics and scenic spots that have been ranked in the localities: An Phu, Chau Phu, Chau Thanh, Tan Chau, Chau Doc, Long Xuyen; Completed the scientific dossier of Buu Huong Cac relic (Chau Phu district) to propose ranking as a provincial relic; completed the installation of QR codes to introduce relics at 19 national historical and cultural relics in the province; coordinated with relevant units to organize 4 scientific seminars, including 1 national seminar "200 years of Vinh Te canal - Historical value, future vision"...

With rich cultural heritage potential, An Giang is focusing on developing cultural tourism and spiritual tourism, in which relics are one of the important resources to exploit. Some typical relics, such as: Oc Eo - Ba The special national relic, President Ton Duc Thang Memorial Site special national relic, Ba Chua Xu Temple on Sam Mountain, Hang Pagoda, Tuc Dup Hill, along with some religious and worshiping establishments with ancient art architecture, traditional cultural features of the Cham, Chinese, Khmer ethnic communities, such as: XvayTon Pagoda, Mubarak Mosque, Ong Bac Pagoda... have been widely introduced, creating conditions for promoting cultural heritage and tourism activities in An Giang.

In the coming time, An Giang will continue to focus on investing in the restoration, renovation and embellishment of relics in the province; focus on training and improving professional capacity for officials working in the management and conservation of relics; apply information technology in the conservation and promotion of relic values. At the same time, we should strengthen propaganda, promotion, introduction and exchange of activities related to the field of intangible cultural heritage; maintain and develop traditional craft villages in many forms and promote products. In particular, it is necessary to develop and connect tours and tourist routes to create continuity and connection between types of eco-tourism, picnics, resorts associated with cultural tourism, spiritual beliefs to attract tourists..../.

News by Trung Hieu

Translation by Thi Huynh