Every spring, as the Lunar New Year (Tet) approaches, Tu Lien village on the banks of the Red River becomes busier and more vibrant than ever. Lush green kumquat gardens stretching out, meticulously cared-for bonsai kumquat pots, and the sounds of buyers and sellers create a colorful and lively rural scene, attracting visitors from all directions to experience unique craft village tourism.
Tu Lien Kumquat Village: Preserving the Soul of Hanoi Tet
Tu Lien, a suburban area located near the center of Hanoi, has long been famous for its traditional kumquat cultivation. With an area of over 100 hectares, nearly 30 hectares of which are dedicated to kumquat cultivation along the Red River dike, Tu Lien village is blessed with fertile alluvial soil and abundant water sources, creating ideal conditions for kumquat trees to grow and thrive. Kumquat cultivation in Tu Lien is not only a livelihood but also a distinctive cultural feature, an indispensable part of the traditional Tet atmosphere of Hanoi.
For generations, the people of Tu Lien have been attached to kumquat trees, passing down valuable secrets of planting and caring for them. In the days leading up to Tet, the whole village becomes like a large construction site, with everyone busy defoliating, pruning, shaping, and transporting kumquats. Roads and alleys are bustling with the sounds of vehicles and laughter, creating a busy yet warm atmosphere.
Mr. Bui Dinh Tuan, owner of Tuan Mai kumquat garden and a native of Tu Lien village with over 30 years of experience in kumquat cultivation, shares: “Kumquat cultivation in Tu Lien has been around for a long time, passed down from fathers to sons. We consider kumquat trees as close friends, putting all our heart into caring for them so that every Tet and spring, we can bring the most beautiful kumquat trees to every home.”
Overview of lush green kumquat gardens in Tu Lien village, Hanoi, bustling with activity during the Tet season.
Diverse Kumquat Tree Styles in Tu Lien
In the past, Tu Lien kumquats were mainly grown in traditional pine and canopy shapes, with a natural and rustic beauty. However, to meet the increasingly diverse demands of the market, Tu Lien gardeners have constantly innovated and improved, creating many new and unique kumquat styles, such as bonsai kumquats, shaped kumquats, and kumquats shaped like zodiac animals.
Tu Lien bonsai kumquats are particularly popular for their delicate and compact beauty, suitable for modern living spaces. To create a beautiful bonsai kumquat tree, the artisan must go through many meticulous stages, from selecting seedlings, shaping, bending branches, to caring for and fertilizing. Each bonsai kumquat tree is a unique work of art, carrying the dedication and creativity of the artisan.
Artisan Bui The Manh, a pioneer in bringing bonsai kumquats to Tu Lien, shares about the process of creating bonsai kumquats: “To create a beautiful bonsai kumquat tree, the gardener needs to have a high aesthetic sense, creativity, and patience. From choosing the tree shape, bending branches, creating styles, to meticulous care, everything requires dedication and skill.”
Close-up of an artist carefully shaping and pruning a bonsai kumquat tree in Tu Lien village, Hanoi.
Unique shaped kumquats such as “dragon worshiping,” “phoenix dancing,” “three abundances,” “five blessings,” etc., are also meticulously crafted by Tu Lien artisans, bringing kumquat works with high artistic value. Each shaped kumquat style not only shows the beauty of the kumquat tree but also conveys deep cultural and spiritual meanings, bringing luck, wealth, and peace to the homeowner in the new year.
Tu Lien Kumquat Village Tourism: Experiencing Unique Craft Village Culture
Visiting Tu Lien kumquat village is not only an opportunity to admire and choose beautiful kumquat trees but also a chance for visitors to discover and experience the unique traditional craft village culture of Hanoi. Coming to Tu Lien in the days leading up to Tet, visitors will immerse themselves in the bustling and vibrant atmosphere of the countryside, witness firsthand the process of planting and caring for kumquats, chat with simple and kind farmers, and listen to stories about the traditional kumquat cultivation.
Visitors can stroll through lush green kumquat gardens, admire exquisite bonsai kumquat pots, unique shaped kumquats, and choose a kumquat tree they like to decorate their homes during Tet. In addition, visitors can also participate in interesting experience activities such as shaping bonsai kumquats themselves, learning how to care for kumquats, or enjoying culinary specialties of Tu Lien village.
Mr. Dang, a resident living in Lo Duc street, shares about his experience of visiting Tu Lien kumquat village: “Every year, I go to Tu Lien a month before Tet to choose kumquats. Going early allows me to choose beautiful trees and immerse myself in the Tet atmosphere in the countryside, which feels very interesting and meaningful.”
Visitors strolling through a kumquat garden in Tu Lien village, Hanoi, admiring the variety of trees and enjoying the festive atmosphere.
Young Generation of Tu Lien: Continuing and Developing Traditional Craft
Not only the elderly, but also young people in Tu Lien are increasingly actively participating in kumquat cultivation, bringing new winds to the traditional craft village. They not only inherit the valuable experiences of their fathers but also boldly innovate, create, and apply science and technology to production, creating high-quality kumquat products that meet the increasing demands of the market.
Young people in Tu Lien also actively promote and introduce kumquat products of the craft village on media channels and social networks, helping Tu Lien kumquats become increasingly known and loved. The enthusiasm, dynamism, and creativity of the young generation of Tu Lien have been and are making important contributions to preserving and developing the traditional kumquat cultivation of the village, bringing the Tu Lien kumquat brand further afield.
Tu Lien Kumquat: The Beauty of Vietnamese Tet Culture
Kumquat trees are not only ornamental plants for decoration but also carry deep cultural and spiritual meanings during the traditional Tet holiday of Vietnamese people. The bright yellow color of kumquat fruits symbolizes luck, wealth, prosperity, and affluence. The kumquat tree with its lush appearance and laden with fruit also symbolizes fullness, warmth, and family happiness in the new year.
Therefore, every Tet and spring, Vietnamese people often have the custom of buying kumquats to decorate their homes, with the desire to bring luck, wealth, and peace to their families in the new year. Tu Lien kumquat trees, with their unique beauty and outstanding quality, have become a top choice for Hanoi residents and visitors from all over every Tet and spring.
Mr. Bui Dinh Tuan shares about the meaning of kumquat trees during Tet: “Kumquat trees are not just ornamental plants but also symbols of Tet, bringing a joyful, warm, and lucky atmosphere to every home. We grow kumquats not only for economic reasons but also to contribute to preserving the traditional cultural beauty of our nation.”
Conclusion
Visiting Tu Lien ornamental tree village is a unique and meaningful cultural experience, especially every Tet and spring. Coming to Tu Lien, visitors will not only admire the beauty of kumquat gardens, bonsai kumquat trees, and unique shaped kumquats but also discover the traditional craft village culture, immerse themselves in the traditional Tet atmosphere, and feel the heart and dedication of Tu Lien farmers for kumquat trees and for the traditional craft of their homeland. Come to Tu Lien ornamental tree village to feel and discover the unique traditional cultural beauty of Hanoi, to make your spring trip more meaningful and complete.