Lang Biang - Da Lat preserves and promotes traditional cultural heritage
In line with Politburo Resolutions No. 57-NQ/TW and No. 80-NQ/TW and the 14th National Party Congress Resolution, Lang Biang - Da Lat Ward has been gradually translating cultural preservation goals into concrete action amid digital transformation and international integration.
Enriching community cultural life
From preserving traditional heritage and strengthening the role of local communities to tapping the potential of cultural tourism, Lang Biang - Da Lat Ward is working to turn culture into an important internal resource for sustainable socio-economic development.
Ethnic minority communities account for 23.4% of the ward's population, making the area home to a rich diversity of cultural traditions, particularly those of the K'ho people and other ethnic groups of the Central Highlands.
Among its most prominent cultural assets are the Space of Gong Culture in the Central Highlands, traditional festivals, epics, folk songs and dances, brocade weaving, ruou can (traditional fermented rice wine), ethnic musical instruments and a rich body of indigenous knowledge.
In recent years, local authorities have carried out various initiatives to preserve cultural heritage, revive traditional festivals, maintain gong traditions, safeguard traditional crafts and promote local culture through tourism. By drawing on the distinctive heritage of ethnic minority communities, residents have gradually developed tourism activities that generate income while enriching community cultural life.
The ward currently has 11 gong clubs involving more than 200 artisans, who perform, teach younger generations and take part in tourism activities. Some are family-based clubs, helping traditions pass naturally from one generation to the next.
Established in 1998 as part of a movement to promote cultural communities and families, the Cultural Family Gong Club has become an example of intergenerational efforts to preserve ethnic cultural identity and safeguard valued community traditions.
Pang Ting Mut, head of the club's gong group, said: "Over nearly three decades, club members have always encouraged their children and grandchildren to preserve gong culture because it is the 'soul' of our people and a treasure handed down by our ancestors. By preserving and promoting gong culture through tourism, we have also helped improve both the material and spiritual lives of local residents."
Alongside gong culture, Lang Biang - Da Lat Ward preserves traditional crafts such as brocade weaving, ruou can making, instrument making and basket weaving through community-based tourism. These products are promoted at cultural, tourism and trade events, helping create jobs and boost local incomes.
Advancing digital transformation in cultural preservation
Recognising that cultural preservation is not only about safeguarding ethnic identity but also serves as an important resource for socio-economic development, particularly amid digital transformation and international integration, the Lang Biang - Da Lat Ward Party Committee has incorporated the preservation and promotion of traditional cultural values into its directives and resolutions.
The resolution of the ward Party Congress for the 2025 - 2030 term identifies the development of high-quality tourism and services linked with cultural industries and agriculture as one of five strategic breakthroughs.
The Party Committee has also issued a resolution on preserving and promoting the traditional cultural values of Lang Biang-Da Lat and its people for 2025 - 2030 and beyond. It also directed the ward People's Committee to issue a code of conduct for Lang Biang-Da Lat residents. Cultural preservation and promotion are also incorporated into annual thematic resolutions on socio-economic development and Party building.
Amid digital transformation, Lang Biang - Da Lat Ward is adopting a more proactive approach to preserving and promoting traditional culture. Photos, videos, social media and QR codes are being used to showcase festivals, folk games, culinary events, OCOP products and tourist attractions to wider audiences.
According to Nguyen Thi Cam Giang, Standing Deputy Secretary of the Lang Biang - Da Lat Ward Party Committee, these efforts are helping safeguard local identity while creating new opportunities for cultural tourism and sustainable development.
Since the administrative merger, the ward has welcomed more than 4.6 million visitors, generating over VND 700 billion in tourism revenue, while state budget revenue has exceeded VND 300 billion.
“Science, technology and innovation are increasingly important in bringing traditional culture closer to communities and wider audiences,” Giang said. “For Lang Biang - Da Lat, home to the K’ho people’s rich traditions and the Space of Gong Culture in the Central Highlands, digital tools can help preserve these values while creating new momentum for cultural tourism.”
She said the ultimate goal is to build Lang Biang - Da Lat into a destination that is “worth visiting, green, friendly and rich in cultural identity”, while supporting the locality’s long-term sustainable development.