Preserving the imprints of ancient trading ports
The Pho Hien special national relic site, located in Pho Hien ward, Hung Yen province, is a place that preserves clear imprints of a merchant port that was once prosperous in the 16th-seventh centuries. The central heritage axis includes Chuong Pagoda, Mau Temple, Tran Temple, Xich Dang Temple... reflecting the cultural identity of the Northern Delta region.
Besides, there is a 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, Dinh - Hien Pagoda, Ne Chau Pagoda, creating a unique historical, cultural and spiritual space.
On December 31, 2014, the Prime Minister decided to rank Pho Hien Special National Relic Site. The complex includes 16 typical relics such as Xich Dang Temple of Literature, Mau Temple, Tran Temple, Chuong Pagoda, May Temple, Kim Dang Temple, Thien Hau Temple, Vo Mieu, Pho Pagoda, Ba Chua Kho Temple, An Vu communal house, Nam Hoa Temple, Cuu Thien Huyen Nu Temple, Hien communal house - pagoda, Dong Do Quang Hoi and Ne Chau Pagoda.
The relics are the crystallization and intersection of traditional Vietnamese architecture with Chinese and Western architecture, bringing unique values in history, culture, and art. This is also one of the important highlights for cultural tourism development of Hung Yen province.
Spacious appearance, attracting tourists
In order to continue preserving and promoting the value of the Pho Hien Special National Relic Area, in 2025, Hung Yen province implemented the project "Repairing and restoring the complex of Pho Hien special national historical and architectural relics" with a total investment of 120 billion VND.
The project focuses on repairing and restoring many items at typical relic sites such as Tran Temple, Mau Temple, Xich Dang Temple of Literature, May Temple, An Vu communal house and Hien communal house - pagoda. The investment contributes to overcoming degradation, preserving architectural values, and creating conditions to effectively exploit the cultural and tourism potential of the locality.
Up to this point, most items have been basically completed. Records at Mau Temple, Tran Temple, Xich Dang Temple... show that many works have been synchronously restored, the relic space is more spacious and beautiful. The system of courtyards, walkways, and landscapes has been renovated, creating favorable conditions for people and tourists to visit and worship.
According to representatives of the Management Board of Pho Hien Special National Relic Area, in recent years, the work of propaganda, management, preservation and promotion of the value of historical and cultural relics has always been concerned and directed by the locality to be implemented synchronously. Activities to protect and promote the value of relics are maintained regularly such as environmental sanitation, planting flowers, trees, landscape embellishment, creating a green - clean - beautiful space.
At the same time, the locality also strengthens propaganda, raises people's awareness in heritage protection, and coordinates with functional sectors to organize cultural activities and traditional festivals, contributing to spreading the historical and cultural values of Pho Hien.
The "newly dressed" works not only extend the lifespan of the relics but also create motivation for Pho Hien to better promote the value of an ancient famous trading port in history.
This is also an important foundation for the locality to continue to develop cultural tourism, bringing heritage closer to domestic and foreign tourists.
