Keeping memories of a prosperous trading port
The Pho Hien relic complex is a place that preserves the imprint of a riverine trading port that was once the most prosperous in the Northern region. The central axis of heritage includes Chuong Pagoda, Mau Temple, Tran Temple, Xich Dang Temple... clearly reflecting the cultural identity of the Northern Delta region. The system of relics worshiping famous people and national heroes such as May Temple, Kim Dang Temple, Tran Temple and ancient pagodas such as Pho Pagoda, Hien Pagoda communal house, Ne Chau Pagoda create a rich spiritual - historical space, rich in architectural and artistic values.
Pho Hien heritage space also carries the imprint of international trade through the tourist route along the Red River, alluvial grounds, waterfront landscapes and locations that used to be trading places for Chinese, Japanese, and Dutch merchants. The intersection between pure Vietnamese architecture, Chinese architecture and Western style creates a special appearance for this ancient city.
Dr. Nguyen Khac Hao, former Standing Deputy Secretary of the Provincial Party Committee, Chairman of the Hung Yen Provincial Union of Science and Technology Associations, affirmed: "Pho Hien is a special phenomenon in the ancient urban system of Vietnam. The value of Pho Hien does not lie in a few isolated relics, but in the entire urban space - landscape - heritage crystallized over many centuries.
From past heritage to sustainable development resources
Formed from the late 16th century and developing brilliantly in the 17th-18th centuries, Pho Hien was once a bustling international trading port, an important trading center of Dang Ngoai, and also played the role of "front port" protecting the capital Thang Long. The song "First Kinh Ky, second Pho Hien" vividly reflects the special position of this city in Dai Viet history.
Although its role has declined since the 18th century, Pho Hien still retains valuable historical and cultural sediments. In the current context, with its central location in the Red River Delta, convenient transportation system, increasingly complete infrastructure and increased investment resources, Pho Hien is facing the opportunity to revive in the role of a heritage - cultural tourism space.
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyen Vu Phuong - Deputy Director of the Academy of Strategy and Training of Construction Cadre (Ministry of Construction) said: "Pho Hien is a unique'heritage - landscape' entity, in which relics, ancient urban structures and the Red River landscape form a unique identity. Conservation needs to approach in an overall direction, linking heritage with urban space, cultural tourism and sustainable development".
According to Mr. Phuong, shifting from static preservation thinking to overall management of heritage urban areas will help Pho Hien not only be preserved, but also "live" in contemporary life. Solutions such as developing public spaces, increasing connectivity, and enhancing heritage tourism experiences will create a foundation for forming an adaptive heritage urban model, in which development is regulated according to spatial capacity, landscape criteria and environmental sustainability requirements.
From a flourishing riverine trading port in the past, Pho Hien today is being "awakened" by its own historical and cultural values. Preserving associated with sustainable development not only preserves the memory of the ancient city, but also opens up a new future for the land that once was famous, so that Pho Hien becomes an important resource for cultural and tourism development of Hung Yen in the coming journey.
