Bach Dang, a historic river
Vu Mien -
(VOVWORLD) - The Bach Dang river was the site of three major naval battles against foreign invaders. In 938, Ngo Quyen defeated the southern Han troops. 43 years later Le Dai Hanh wiped out Song enemies from China. In 1288, General Tran Quoc Tuan defeated Mongol invaders in this river. A ceremony to commemorate the Bach Dang victory and honor predecessors was held at the Tran Quoc Tuan Temple as part of National Tourism Year 2018 hosted by Quang Ninh province.
 Quang Yen commune, Quang Ninh province (Photo: enternews.vn) |
Along the Bach Dang river are reminders of naval battles a thousand years ago - the wharf, the stake fields, and the Gieng Rung ironwood tree which witnessed Vietnamese patriotism and staunchness. In 2012, the government recognized Bach Dang Giang as a special national historical relic site. Bui Van Chuy, a resident of Ha Long city, said: “We come here to recall our predecessors’ glorious victories in the Bach Dang river. The landscape is beautiful and the weather is nice. Visitors honor forefathers’ contributions to national construction and defense.”
Bach Dang estuary in Quang Yen commune is home to several cultural and historical relic sites. Many festivals take place along the river - the Tien Cong Procession festival, the Whale Worshiping Festival, and the Going to the Field Festival. There are 24 pagodas and communal houses with ancient architectural styles in the commune. They attracted more than 200,000 visitors last year. Most Venerable Thich Thanh Lich, Deputy Head of the Quang Ninh Buddhist Sangha and Head of Dong Phuc pagoda, said: “We hope that more events will be held to promote the historic Bach Dang area. Many pagodas here are linked with the glorious victories of the Tran dynasty.”
 Photo: quangninh.gov.vn |
Quang Yen commune has focused on promoting its cultural heritages to develop tourism, increase local incomes, and introduce local culture and history to visitors. Ngo Dinh Dung, Deputy Head of the Culture Division of Quang Yen commune, said: “We aspire develop local tourism and make our relic sites more popular. But we need to work out a specific road map, improve our tourism services and products.”
The commemoration ceremony on the Bach Dang river is one of the key activities of National Tourism Year 2018. From 7th to the 9th of lunar March, the ceremony pays tribute to national heroes. Vu Van Tinh, who lives in Quang Yen commune, spoke to VOV: “This is an annual festival to celebrate the Bach Dang victory in 1288 and pay a debt of gratitude to our predecessors who drove Mongol invaders out of Vietnam. The festival draws crowds of visitors.”
Quang Yen commune has upgraded its infrastructure, particularly the Bach Dang relic site, and improved its facilities to attract more visitors.
Vu Mien