Hue, the serene ancient capital with its poetic Perfume River and ancient architectural works, is always an attractive destination for domestic and international tourists. Besides the majestic Citadel and solemn tombs, Hue hides a little-known gem, Gia Hoi Ancient Town. This place not only preserves historical and cultural imprints but also possesses unique architectural beauty, imbued with the essence of old Hue, waiting to be discovered and revived. Traveling to Gia Hoi Ancient Town promises to bring different and profound experiences of a dreamy, ancient, and charming Hue.
Gia Hoi Ancient Town History and Culture: Imprints of Time
Gia Hoi Ancient Town, formerly one of the three central areas of Hue city (along with the Citadel and Tran Binh Dai), played an important role in the historical development of the ancient capital. The name “Gia Hoi” originated from the fact that this place used to be a gathering place for many large and powerful clans in the Nguyen Dynasty. This area was not only a bustling economic and commercial center but also a unique cultural and architectural intersection between Vietnamese people and the Chinese community.
Throughout history, Gia Hoi Ancient Town has witnessed many changes and ups and downs of Hue. From a period of prosperity with magnificent mansions and palaces of the aristocracy and merchants, to a period of decline due to war and urbanization, Gia Hoi still retains its unique ancient and serene beauty. This place is a living museum of architecture, culture, and life of the old Hue people.
Gia Hoi culture is a blend of traditional Hue cultural identity and cultural elements imported from the Chinese community. This is clearly reflected in architecture, religion, beliefs, and cuisine. Festivals and customs in Gia Hoi also bear strong local imprints, reflecting the rich spiritual life of the residents here. Exploring Gia Hoi Ancient Town is not only a tourist journey but also an opportunity to learn deeply about the history, culture, and people of Hue.
Unique Architecture in Gia Hoi: Harmony of Vietnamese and Chinese Styles
The most special and attractive feature of Gia Hoi Ancient Town is its unique and diverse architecture, reflecting the cultural exchange between Vietnamese and Chinese people. Besides the mansions and palaces imbued with Hue’s imperial architectural style, Gia Hoi is also famous for Chinese architectural works such as temples, pagodas, and assembly halls.
Vietnamese Architecture:
- Mansions and Palaces: Gia Hoi Ancient Town used to be home to many mansions and palaces of mandarins and nobles during the Nguyen Dynasty. Although many buildings have been eroded by time, there are still remnants of ancient architecture with mossy tile roofs, yellow lime walls, and sophisticated carvings.
- Garden Houses: Garden houses are a typical feature of Hue architecture, and Gia Hoi is no exception. Ancient garden houses with spacious grounds, lush greenery, and tranquil fish ponds create a peaceful living space, close to nature.
- Thanh Binh Tu Theater: This national historical relic is a place to worship the founders of Tuong opera and those who have contributed to Vietnamese Tuong stage. Thanh Binh Tu is not only an ancient architectural work but also an important cultural and artistic center of Hue.
- Kim Hoan Clan Temple, Mai Vien Dao Tan House: These are architectural works bearing strong personal imprints, reflecting the talent and dedication of famous historical and cultural figures of Hue.
Chinese Architecture:
- Chieu Ung Temple, Ba Pagoda, Quang Dong Pagoda, Trieu Chau Pagoda, Phuc Kien Pagoda: These religious architectural works are evidence of the presence and contribution of the Chinese community in the historical development of Gia Hoi. Each temple and pagoda has its own architectural style, reflecting the beliefs and unique culture of each Chinese group.
The harmony between Vietnamese and Chinese architecture creates a unique and colorful appearance for Gia Hoi Ancient Town. Strolling along the small streets, admiring the ancient houses, visitors will feel the special cultural and architectural space, unique to Gia Hoi.
Unique Travel Experiences in Gia Hoi Ancient Town: Discovering Hidden Beauty
Traveling to Gia Hoi Ancient Town is not just about visiting historical and architectural sites but also a journey to experience local culture and life. This place offers many interesting and attractive activities for tourists:
- Strolling and exploring ancient architecture: Walking is the best way to feel the beauty of Gia Hoi Ancient Town. Visitors can freely explore small alleys, admire ancient houses, and learn about the history and culture of each building.
- Visiting historical and cultural relics: Gia Hoi has many important historical and cultural relics such as Thanh Binh Tu, pagodas and temples of the Chinese community. Visitors can learn about the history, architecture, and cultural values of these relics.
- Exploring the kite-making artisans’ village on Mac Dinh Chi street: This is a unique destination, attracting tourists who love traditional art. Visitors can admire colorful kites, learn about the craft of handmade kite making, and even try flying a kite themselves.
- Visiting ancient artifact collections: Gia Hoi is also famous for the private collections of ancient artifacts by collectors such as Dr. Nguyen Van Cuong with his ancient coin collection, Hue scholar Phan Thuan An, researcher Vinh Cao, and Ho Tan Phan with valuable ancient books. This is a rare opportunity for visitors to admire unique and precious artifacts, and learn about history and culture through artifacts.
- Enjoying local cuisine: Gia Hoi cuisine also has a strong traditional Hue flavor. Visitors can enjoy specialties such as Hue beef noodle soup, mussel rice, Banh Khoai (crispy crepe), and Hue sweet soup at local eateries in the ancient town.
- Participating in traditional festivals (if any): If traveling to Gia Hoi during festival season, visitors can immerse themselves in the vibrant and bustling atmosphere of traditional festivals, and learn about the unique customs and practices of the locality.
Traveling to Gia Hoi Ancient Town offers slow-paced, profound experiences, helping visitors discover the hidden beauty and discreet charm of old Hue. This place is an ideal destination for those who want to find peace and tranquility, and want to learn deeply about Hue’s culture, history, and people.
A vibrant boat race on the Dong Ba River in Hue, Vietnam
Tourism Potential and Development Challenges of Gia Hoi Ancient Town: Reviving the “Hue Dream”
Despite possessing many unique historical, cultural, architectural values and great tourism potential, Gia Hoi Ancient Town has not yet been truly exploited and developed accordingly. The original article clearly stated concerns about “the potential of Gia Hoi Ancient Town not being awakened” and the “Hue dream” of reviving the ancient town.
Efforts to embellish and organize tours of Gia Hoi Ancient Town within the framework of the Hue Festival in 2002 and 2004 showed the attractiveness of this destination. However, subsequent development opportunities were “missed,” leaving Gia Hoi Ancient Town still “sleeping” on its tourism potential.
To awaken the tourism potential of Gia Hoi Ancient Town, a comprehensive and well-organized project is needed, with close coordination between the government, local community, and tourism businesses. The project needs to focus on the following factors:
- Preserving and promoting heritage values: The top priority is to preserve and restore ancient architectural works and historical and cultural relics. A strict conservation plan is needed to avoid construction and renovation that would detract from the ancient and original beauty of the ancient town.
- Developing diverse and attractive tourism products: Develop tours to explore Gia Hoi Ancient Town with various themes such as architecture, culture, cuisine, and history. Develop experiential and interactive tourism products to help visitors have the opportunity to learn deeply about local cultural life.
- Improving the quality of tourism services: Invest in developing tourism infrastructure such as roads, street lighting, and public restrooms. Improve the quality of accommodation, dining, transportation, and tour guide services.
- Encouraging the participation of the local community: The residential community of Gia Hoi Ancient Town needs to be placed at the center of the tourism development process. Encourage people to participate in tourism activities such as providing accommodation, dining, selling handicrafts, and tour guiding. Ensure that economic benefits from tourism are shared fairly with the local community.
- Tourism promotion and marketing: Strengthen promotion and introduction of Gia Hoi Ancient Town on media, tourism websites, and social networks. Organize cultural and tourism events to attract tourists to Gia Hoi.
Reviving Gia Hoi Ancient Town is not only a tourism development goal but also a “Hue dream” of preserving and promoting precious cultural heritage values, and improving the lives of local people. With synchronous efforts and high determination, Gia Hoi Ancient Town can completely “revive”, becoming an attractive and unique tourist destination, contributing to enriching the tourism picture of Hue.
Conclusion
Gia Hoi Ancient Town is a hidden gem in the heart of ancient Hue, carrying unique historical, cultural, and architectural values. Traveling to Gia Hoi Ancient Town promises to bring different and profound experiences of an ancient, serene, and charming Hue. To awaken the tourism potential of Gia Hoi, practical actions and joint efforts from the community are needed, towards the goal of preserving heritage and developing sustainable tourism, bringing benefits to both tourists and local people. Come and explore Gia Hoi Ancient Town, to feel its hidden beauty and contribute to the journey of reviving the “Hue dream”.