Cultural heritage in the heart of Dong Nai

Located in the center of Tran Bien Ward, Dong Nai Province, the Tran Bien Temple of Literature is regarded as a historical and cultural symbol, connecting the rich values of the Dong Nai land.

The statue of King Ly Thai To at the Tran Bien Cultural Figures Garden is currently being refurbished. Photo: My Ny

Beyond being a distinctive cultural destination, the temple complex and surrounding structures are undergoing renovation to better serve visitors, students, and local residents.

Upgrading the surrounding area

To maintain the landscape, ensure cleanliness, and carry out routine maintenance at the Temple of Literature, Le Truong Son, Member of the Provincial Standing Party Committee and Vice Chairman of the People’s Committee, issued Official Document No. 2285/UBND-KGVX dated August 1, 2025, to relevant departments and the Tran Bien Ward People’s Committee. The directive assigns the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism to lead the effort in coordinating with other units to upgrade the temple’s surrounding area. Key tasks include cleaning, improving pathways, arranging parking, assigning round-the-clock security, and developing a tender plan for the temple park’s management.

Following these directives, the Dong Nai Museum has been working with relevant units to upgrade certain features, including relocating banyan trees and commemorative plaques of Air Regiment 935 personnel to inside the site, removing damaged benches, and clearing pathways for easier access. The museum has also cleaned areas where locals frequently offer incense near the Ly Thai To statue.

The museum has introduced a 360° virtual tour of the nationally recognized Tran Bien Temple of Literature on its website, allowing the public to explore the temple’s historical and cultural significance online.

For deteriorating houses within the Tran Bien Cultural Figures Garden, renovations have included repairing roofs and walls, upgrading pathways around the Northern and Central houses, and installing two 500W solar-powered lights to illuminate the Central and Southern houses. Security personnel are stationed on-site at all times.

Le Thi Hanh, a local resident, shared, “We are thrilled to see the province taking care of the Tran Bien Cultural Figures Garden. The blooming lotus ponds and well-maintained grounds make the space beautiful and more inviting for everyone.”

Preserving and promoting heritage values

Founded in 1715 during the reign of Lord Nguyen Phuc Chu, Tran Bien Temple of Literature is considered the first one of its kind in southern Vietnam. It has long served not only as a place to honor scholars but also as a symbol of the deep respect for teachers and learning upheld by the people of the South in general and Dong Nai in particular. Over more than three centuries, the temple has endured numerous changes and suffered damage at times. Yet, through persistent efforts to preserve and enhance its cultural value, the local Party committee, authorities, and people of Dong Nai have restored and renovated the site multiple times, establishing it as a landmark of both cultural and educational significance.

Today, the temple hosts numerous events tied to local life and tradition, including Teacher’s Day, the Spring Flower Festival, Spring Newspaper Fair, Vietnamese Poetry Day, and the Dong Nai Artists’ Day, as well as ceremonies to honor ancestors and historical figures. The temple not only preserves cultural values but also serves as a special cultural landmark, a living reminder of the roots, a tribute to the ancestors, and a revival of the spirit of learning once flourishing in the ancient land of Tran Bien.

Dr. Nguyen Van Quyet, President of the Vietnam-Japan Friendship Association in Dong Nai Province said: “The restoration and embellishment of the relic site, along with the renovation of surrounding structures of the Temple of Literature, is not only a responsibility to preserve our cultural heritage but also creates a space for community activities that connect the scholarly traditions of our ancestors with today’s youth. It will also become a key highlight on Dong Nai’s cultural tourism map in the years ahead.”

In the same Official Document No. 2285/UBND-KGVX, Le Truong Son, Member of the Provincial Standing Party Committee and Vice Chairman of the People’s Committee Le Truong Son assigned the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism to lead, in coordination with the Department of Finance and relevant agencies and units, to review the entire content of the Scheme on Preserving and promoting the value of Tran Bien Temple of Literature, ensuring that the plan complies with current laws and aligns with the province’s urban, cultural, and tourism development goals.

The review will pay special attention to legal compliance regarding cultural heritage, public investment, and construction management, as well as the feasibility, effectiveness, project timelines, and collaboration mechanism. Agencies are also expected to propose strategies for mobilizing resources, with a focus on social engagement and attracting support from businesses, organizations, and individuals to help preserve and enhance the temple’s historical and cultural value.

Most recently, on September 11, Le Truong Son, Member of the Provincial Standing Party Committee and Vice Chairman of the People’s Committee, issued a document to the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism, instructing the department to review and incorporate the proposed recommendations into the Scheme on Preserving and promoting the value of Tran Bien Temple of Literature, ensuring full compliance with the directives of the provincial People’s Committee.

                                                              By My Ny - Translated by Le Hung, Thu Ha