After the new two-tier structure came into effect, the People’s Committee of Tủa Chùa commune (Điện Biên province) officially began operations. One of its top priorities has been sustaining and expanding cultural tourism products that had earned brand recognition in earlier years, most notably the Tủa Chùa night market, a popular gathering place for both tourists and locals.

In the first weeks after taking over from the district level, Tủa Chùa commune authorities worked to keep cultural performances running regularly at the night market. Phạm Quốc Đạt, Chairman of the Tủa Chùa commune People’s Committee, said: “The biggest challenge is that the district used to have a cultural center with over 20 staff, while the commune now has only five. Even so, we set up a dedicated management board to oversee the market, aiming to keep activities running smoothly and attract more visitors.”

Instead of simply keeping the old model, the commune has made several adjustments. Previously, performances were organized by clusters of villages, but now each of Tủa Chùa’s 36 villages takes turns sending teams. On average, 4-6 villages perform each week. To ease the burden on performers, the management board has also added more interactive activities with the audience, creating a warmer and livelier atmosphere.

Sharing his thoughts, Giàng A Ong, a Tủa Chùa resident, said: “It’s harder now because the whole district used to organize the market, and now it’s just the commune. But both local authorities and villagers are doing their best to keep it going because it’s part of our cultural identity. The night market isn’t just entertainment, it’s the pride of Tủa Chùa.”

Villages that were once unfamiliar with collective performing are now becoming more confident participants. The commune is also actively promoting the night market on media and social networks to draw more visitors.

Chairman Phạm Quốc Đạt affirmed: “The night market is a signature cultural and tourism product, a bridge connecting the local community with visitors. We will continue maintaining it while calling on businesses to join in expanding its scale and improving services.”

In August, Mường Mùn commune (formerly part of Tuần Giáo district) teamed up with the provincial museum to run a training course on traditional Khơ Mú ethnic costume-making in Huổi Lốt village. After 15 days of lessons, participants had mastered various stitching, embroidery, and pattern-making techniques and completed traditional Khơ Mú outfits. Many expressed pride and a desire to pass down their new skills to younger generations, helping preserve and promote their ethnic heritage. The course not only provided new vocational skills and sustainable livelihoods but also demonstrated Mường Mùn’s commitment to safeguarding traditional values.

Nguyễn Mạnh Hùng, Chairman of the Mường Mùn commune People’s Committee, said: “The costume-making course has helped revive and preserve Khơ Mú traditional crafts while educating young people to value their culture. We appreciate the artisans who taught the course, the commitment of the learners, and the close support from the local Party committee and authorities throughout the process.”

Despite limited staff, facilities, and resources, communes and wards have persisted in sustaining activities that have become their “brands” since the new two-tier local government model took effect. Ethnic cultural festivals, traditional craft villages, community tourism sites, and grassroots cultural performances have all been maintained and refreshed to fit current conditions. Many localities have also combined heritage preservation with media promotion to attract visitors.

Efforts to maintain and enhance long-established cultural and tourism products not only preserve ethnic identities but also create a sustainable path for tourism development, linking community interests with local economic growth. These efforts reflect the determination of commune- and ward-level authorities and enrich the diverse cultural landscape of Điện Biên province in this new stage of development.