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| Dr. Phan Tien Dung, Chairman of Hue City Historical Science Association, shares conservation experiences from Hai Van Quan at the workshop |
In his opening remarks, Colonel Nguyen Trong Thang, M.A., Vice Chairman of Ha Tinh Historical Science Association, emphasized that Hoanh Son Quan is a heritage site of exceptional value within the system of Central Vietnamese cultural heritage. Across many historical periods, the Ngang Pass – Hoanh Son area has consistently held a strategic position in terms of transportation and military affairs. Notably, during the two resistance wars against French colonialism and American imperialism, it served not only as an administrative checkpoint but also as a defensive “stronghold,” a staging area, and a transit hub for goods and weapons supplied to the southern battlefield.
From a historical perspective, Dr. Tran Dinh Hang, Director of the Central Branch of the Institute of Culture, Arts, Sports and Tourism, argued that Hoanh Son’s role reaches a particularly significant level during the reigns of the Nguyen Lords and the Nguyen Dynasty.
From the 16th century onward, it became a geo-strategic location closely tied to the formation and survival of the Dang Trong (Cochinchina) administration, and later the Nguyen Dynasty. “Not only was it the northern gateway of Thuan Hoa – Phu Xuan, but Hoanh Son also served as a ‘natural shield’ protecting the political center of southern Dai Viet for many centuries,” affirmed Dr. Tran Dinh Hang.
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| Workshop delegates visit the Hoanh Son Quan heritage site |
Regarding conservation efforts, Mr. Tran Bau Ha, Permanent Vice Chairman of Ha Tinh Provincial People’s Committee, acknowledged that although authorities and localities have made considerable efforts in preserving the relic, Hoanh Son Quan continues to face difficulties in managing, restoring, renovating, and promoting its values. The site shows signs of deterioration, while investment, promotion, and tourism development have not kept pace with its inherent potential and significance.
The workshop is expected to serve as an important scientific foundation for relevant agencies to continue their research and complete the dossier requesting that the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism classifies Hoanh Son Quan as a National Heritage Site.
Sharing insights from the conservation of Hai Van Quan, Dr. Phan Tien Dung, Chairman of Hue City Historical Science Association, noted that heritage sites within administrative boundary areas always pose unique management and conservation challenges. Drawing on the experience of Hai Van Quan - a relic straddling the boundary between Hue City and Da Nang City - the two localities jointly demarcated protected zones, preserved original elements, and environmental landscapes. They also coordinated the removal of incompatible structures to ensure the site’s integrity.
After more than eight months of collaborative documentation work, in April 2017, the relevant agencies completed procedures to submit to the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism for recognition of Hai Van Quan as a National Heritage Site. The two localities subsequently signed a cooperative agreement on the management, conservation, and promotion of the site’s values.
Many delegates at the workshop agreed that this is a valuable precedent for Ha Tinh and Quang Binh to study and apply when developing a cooperative mechanism for Hoanh Son Quan.