Preserving and promoting these heritage values, especially the battlefield heritage and legacy of the Điện Biên Phủ Victory, which “resounded throughout the five continents and was world-shaking,” has always been a top priority requiring relentless efforts from the Party committees, authorities, armed forces, organizations, and ethnic people of Điện Biên Province.

Điện Biên Province, representing the Northwest’s ethnic minorities, preserves 18 nationally recognized intangible cultural heritages, including two UNESCO-recognized Intangible Cultural Heritages of Humanity: the “Art of Xòe Thái” and “Then Singing of Tày - Nùng - Thái.” These are sources of pride for the ethnic communities of Điện Biên and the Northwest, serving as invaluable treasures for future generations to safeguard and promote.

Additionally, the people of Điện Biên celebrate 37 unique traditional festivals and maintain 29 ranked historical, cultural, architectural, and scenic sites. These attractions have become significant draws for both domestic and international tourists, offering vibrant, firsthand experiences of cultural and historical richness.

Điện Biên is also home to over 40 outstanding artisans, considered “living treasures” of Northwestern region’s culture, who have actively preserved and passed on traditional values such as folk songs, dances, musical instruments, and customs, bridging the past and present and paving the way for the future.

Recently, on the occasion of the 70th anniversary of the Điện Biên Phủ Victory (May 7, 1954 - 2024), with support from the Party’s and State’s leaders, guidance from the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, and assistance from Central agencies and localities nationwide, Điện Biên Province developed and submitted plans to the Prime Minister for approval of the preservation, restoration, and promotion of the Special National Historical Relic Site of Điện Biên Phủ Battlefield. This serves as a foundation for systematic preservation in accordance with cultural heritage laws.

Hence, authorities and residents of Điện Biên have focused on preserving and enhancing key components of the relic site, such as A1 Hill, the Command Headquarters of the Điện Biên Phủ Campaign in Mường Phăng Commune, the Central Stronghold of Điện Biên Phủ, Him Lam Resisting Center, the Legendary Route of Cannon Hauling, and significant artillery positions like No.806 and H6. These efforts have restored fundamental features of the relic site, safeguarding them from natural and social impacts.

Investments have also been made in cultural projects to highlight the significance of the Điện Biên Phủ Victory. These include the Victory Monument at D Hill, the Điện Biên Phủ Victory Museum, and memorial sites such as the Worship Area for General Võ Nguyên Giáp in Mường Phăng, the Martyrs’ Temple at F Hill, the Memorial House for President Hồ Chí Minh at E2 Hill, and the relief commemorating the heroes and soldiers of Him Lam Hill. Such initiatives aim to preserve the site’s legacy while providing meaningful educational experiences.

Efforts to collect documents and artifacts related to the Điện Biên Phủ Campaign have expanded nationwide through partnerships with organizations like the Vietnam Veterans’ Association and the People’s Army Newspaper, and outreach to Điện Biên veterans, their families, and participants in the campaign. To date, over 4,000 documents and artifacts have been collected, enriching museum collections. Additionally, efforts to raise funds for protective shelters for outdoor artifacts have helped extend the longevity of these valuable pieces.

In recent years, Điện Biên has paid due attention to promoting the Special National Historical Relic Site of Điện Biên Phủ Battlefield to support tourism development. Many historical sites have become cultural hubs for community activities, hosting cultural, sports, and tourism events during national holidays and major events. Celebrations marking the 70th anniversary of the Điện Biên Phủ Victory included a series of cultural and artistic events across Điện Biên and other provinces, helping to promote the province’s image and emphasizing the role of culture in fostering community connections. Artistic programs highlighting traditional cultural values have left lasting impressions on visitors, encouraging locals to preserve their unique heritage.

Despite these accomplishments, Điện Biên still faces significant challenges in preserving and promoting cultural heritage. As a mountainous and underdeveloped province, resources for cultural infrastructure and preservation activities remain limited. Studies on intangible cultural heritage have primarily focused on larger ethnic groups, leaving many minority cultures underrepresented. The impacts of globalization and market-driven influences have led to distortions in traditional festivals, attire, and architecture, particularly among younger generations. Moreover, the lack of modern cultural facilities, limited application of digital technology, and a shortage of qualified cultural personnel hinder progress. Ancient scripts of some ethnic minority groups remain untranslated due to a lack of expertise and resources, and the number of individuals proficient in these ancient scripts continues to decline.

In order to enhance cultural heritage preservation and promotion, it is essential to raise awareness among officials and residents of the immense value of cultural heritage and its importance in national development, security, and social cohesion. Mobilizing resources for cultural investment, prioritizing preservation, research, and promotion, and attracting domestic and international support are crucial. Building and upgrading cultural institutions such as museums and cultural centers, along with training skilled and dedicated cultural personnel, will ensure sustained progress. Linking heritage preservation with sustainable tourism development is also vital.

Recalling the words of former Party General Secretary Nguyễn Phú Trọng at the National Cultural Conference in November 2021, “Culture is the soul and backbone of the nation, and it embodies the identity of the nation. So long as culture remains, so will our nation,” collective efforts are needed to preserve and promote Điện Biên’s cultural values, making contribution to enriching the national and global cultural heritage.

Written by Mr. Trần Quốc Cường

Member of the Party Central Committee, Secretary of the Điện Biên Provincial Party Committee