On February 27, 2025, in Hoa Lư City, the People's Committee of Ninh Bình Province collaborate with Trần Nhân Tông Institute - Vietnam National University, Hanoi have organized a Scientific Conference with the theme: "Vũ Lâm Imperial Residence during the Trần Dynasty – Historical Role and Orientation for Conservation and Value Promotion". The conference aims to clarify the significant historical role of Vũ Lâm Imperial Residence while proposing solutions for conservation and heritage promotion in connection with sustainable tourism and cultural development.
Attending the conference are experts and researchers in history and culture, including:
Prof. Dr. Sci. Vũ Minh Giang – Chairman of the Scientific and Training Council, Trần Nhân Tông Institute, Vietnam National University, Hanoi (VNU); Assoc. Prof. Dr. Phạm Bảo Sơn – Vice President of VNU Hanoi; Prof. Lê Mạnh Thát – Member of the Scientific and Training Council of the Trần Nhân Tông Institute, Vice President of the Vietnam Buddhist Academy in Ho Chi Minh City; M.A. Kim Ngọc Đàm – Deputy Director of the Department of Political Theory Research, Communist Review; Prof. Dr. Nguyễn Văn Kim – Vice Chairman of the National Cultural Heritage Council, Member of the World Heritage Committee; Venerable Thích Minh Quang – Secretary Member of the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha Executive Council, Permanent Deputy Head of the Central Ritual Committee, Head of the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha in Ninh Bình Province; Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyễn Tiến Vinh – Director of the Trần Nhân Tông Institute, VNU Hanoi; Assoc. Prof. Nguyễn Việt Khôi – Vice Rector of the School of Interdisciplinary Sciences and Arts, VNU Hanoi; Lieutenant General Trần Đình Nhã – Chairman of the Vietnam Trần Dynasty Council; Assoc. Prof. Dr. Trần Văn Luyện – Vice Chairman of the Vietnam Trần Dynasty Council; Đặng Thị Minh Hạnh – Vietnamese fashion designer, Director of the Vietnam Fashion Design Institute (FADIN) in Ho Chi Minh City.
Additionally, the conference welcomes experts and scientists from: The University of Social Sciences and Humanities (VNU Hanoi), The Trần Nhân Tông Institute, The Institute for Religious Studies, The Institute of Archaeology, The Institute of History (under the Vietnam Academy of Social Sciences), The Institute for Heritage Conservation, The Vietnam Association of Historical Sciences, Representatives from the Department of Culture, Sports, and Tourism of Nam Định Province, The Management Board of Yên Tử National Park and Heritage Site. Representatives from Ninh Bình Province: Đoàn Minh Huấn – Member of the Party Central Committee, Secretary of the Ninh Bình Provincial Party Committee; Trần Song Tùng – Member of the Standing Committee of the Provincial Party Committee, Vice Chairman of the Ninh Bình People's Committee; Members of the Provincial Party Standing Committee; Leaders of the Provincial People's Council, People's Committee, and the Vietnam Fatherland Front Committee of Ninh Bình Province; Representatives from the Provincial Police Department; Leaders of various departments, agencies, and district- and city-level authorities within the Heritage Site; Journalists from local and central news agencies stationed in the province to cover the event.
The conference is divided into two sessions: "Vũ Lâm Imperial Residence during the Trần Dynasty – Formation, Structure, and Role in the Historical Flow of Vietnam" and "Vũ Lâm Imperial Residence during the Trần Dynasty: Conservation and Value Promotion Towards Sustainable Development."
Based on a careful selection of materials from ancient texts, as well as findings from research and archaeological excavations, an initial assessment can be made regarding the scale of the Imperial Residence (Hành cung) during the Trần Dynasty.
At the conference, delegates focused on evaluating and researching the unique historical and cultural values of the Vũ Lâm Imperial Residence, reaffirming its significance and role within the cultural heritage of the Trần Dynasty. Discussions also aimed to clarify the historical continuity from the Đinh, Early Lê, Lý, to the Trần Dynasties, highlighting the imperial residence's importance within the Tràng An Scenic Landscape Complex. Key topics included: Proposing conservation and heritage promotion strategies to support tourism development and enhance Ninh Bình’s cultural identity for both domestic and international visitors. Developing a comprehensive, synchronized conservation plan, integrating scientific research, archaeological surveys, digitization of historical materials and artifacts, and adaptive conservation solutions that balance preservation with socio-economic development.Strengthening public awareness campaigns to emphasize the importance of sites related to Vũ Lâm Imperial Residence, encouraging community and business participation in heritage conservation and promotion. Exploring effective heritage management and tourism development models, creating specialized tourism products linked to Vũ Lâm and the Tràng An Scenic Landscape Complex. Revitalizing cultural activities, restoring traditional festivals, and reconstructing historical spaces from the Trần Dynasty, particularly emphasizing the Trúc Lâm Zen spirit and the significance of Ninh Bình as a Buddhist center during the Trần period.
The scientific conference on “Vũ Lâm Imperial Residence during the Trần Dynasty – Historical Role and Orientation for Conservation and Value Promotion” is a significant event aimed at reaffirming the importance of Vũ Lâm Imperial Residence during the Trần Dynasty. The conference discusses solutions to integrate heritage conservation with tourism development, cultural industries, and the heritage economy, with the Tràng An Scenic Landscape Complex—a UNESCO World Cultural and Natural Heritage Site—as the central focus. Through this, the conference seeks to develop appropriate orientations, policies, and strategic initiatives to drive the goal of transforming Ninh Bình into a Millennial Heritage City and a Creative City.