Hai Duong

The city of Hai Duong, located in the fertile Red River Delta, has a rich history closely tied to the formation of the state of Vietnam. Its name translates as "Ocean" or "Eastern Sea," symbolically pointing to its location east of the capital. Although the area was settled long before, the city's official founding date is considered to be 1804. It was then, by decree of the Nguyen Dynasty emperor, that a fortress named "Thanh Dong" (Eastern Fortress) was erected here.

Key Factors in Its Establishment:

The emergence and growth of the city were driven by several important factors:

• Geographical Location: The city was built at a strategically important crossroads of river routes, between the capital Thang Long (modern-day Hanoi) and the port city of Hai Phong. This made it a key transport and trading hub.
• Administrative and Military Role: Hai Duong was originally founded as a military and administrative outpost protecting the eastern approaches to the capital. Over the centuries, it has remained the administrative center of the province of the same name.
• Trade: Thanks to its favorable location, the city quickly became a magnet for merchants and artisans, contributing to its economic prosperity.

Early Cultural and Economic Characteristics:

Since ancient times, Hai Duong province has been known as the "Land of Scholars." It ranks among the top in Vietnam for the number of residents who successfully passed the state exams. The region's economy was traditionally based on agriculture, particularly the cultivation of rice and the famous lychees. Furthermore, the city and its surroundings became famous for their crafts, such as ceramic and silk production, as well as traditional sweets like mung bean cake (Banh Dau Xanh). Hai Duong is also considered one of the birthplaces of the unique art form — water puppetry.

Key Dates in the History of Hai Duong

• 11th–13th Centuries: The territory of modern-day Hai Duong becomes an important cultural and trading center during the Ly Dynasty.
• 13th Century: The region plays a crucial role in national defense under the leadership of national hero Tran Hung Dao.
• 1804: By order of the Nguyen Dynasty, the Thanh Dong fortress ("Eastern Fortress") is established, marking the official founding date of the city.
• 1831: Hai Duong Province is established, originally named "Thanh Dong" (Eastern Province).
• Late 19th – Early 20th Century: During the French colonial period, the city maintains its status and continues to develop as an administrative center.
• 1968: Hai Duong and Hung Yen provinces are merged into a single province called Hai Hung, with the city serving as its administrative center.
• January 1997: Hai Duong Province is restored to its former borders, and the city once again becomes its capital.
• August 1997: The settlement officially receives city status (Class III city), solidifying its administrative importance.
• 2019: Hai Duong is recognized as a Class I city, confirming its high level of development and its role in the economy of northern Vietnam.

Stages of Hai Duong's Transformation

The development of Hai Duong is a story of transformation from a defensive fortress and cultural center into a modern industrial and economic hub. Each stage has contributed to the city's current identity.

• Emergence as the "Land of Scholars" (from the 15th century). Hai Duong province has historically been renowned as one of Vietnam's primary educational centers. It gave the country a record number of laureates of the highest state exams. This cultural capital laid the foundation for the development of an intellectual and administrative elite, which defined the region's high status for many centuries.
• Center of Crafts and Trade (18th–19th centuries). Thanks to its strategic position between the capital and the port, Hai Duong became an important trading post. Traditional crafts flourished in the city and its surroundings: ceramics in Chu Dau village, jewelry making in Chau Khe, wood carving in Dong Dao, and the production of the famous mung bean cake (Banh Dau Xanh). This formed the city's economic base long before industrialization.
• Administrative and Urban Planning Role in the Colonial Period. During the French colonial era, Hai Duong maintained and strengthened its status as an administrative center. This period laid the foundations for modern urban planning, with many French colonial-style buildings constructed, some of which are still used by municipal institutions.
• Industrialization and Economic Growth (Late 20th – Early 21st Centuries). Post-war recovery and Vietnam's economic reform policy transformed Hai Duong into a major industrial center. Its location within the Hanoi — Hai Phong — Quang Ninh economic triangle facilitated investment and the development of mechanical engineering, textiles, and the food industry.
• Attaining Class I City Status (2019). The city's promotion to the highest category was official recognition of its significant success in urbanization, infrastructure development, and the rising quality of life for its residents. This status stimulated further investment in the urban environment, including transport network modernization and the creation of new public spaces.
• Development of a "Green" and "Smart" Urban Environment (2020s). In recent years, the city has set a course toward sustainable development. Projects to create a comfortable urban environment are being implemented, such as the opening of pedestrian zones and night markets. Development plans through 2030 aim to turn Hai Duong into a green, smart, and modern city, reflecting new priorities in urban construction.

The architectural landscape of Hai Duong is a multi-layered tapestry reflecting the key eras of Vietnamese history. From ancient traditions to modern ambitions, every period has left its mark on the city's urban fabric.

Traditional Vietnamese Architecture

Historically, the core of the city's development consisted of traditional Vietnamese structures. These included communal houses (dinh), pagodas, and temples that served as centers of spiritual and social life. They are characterized by the use of natural materials like wood and clay tiles, intricate carvings, and a harmonious blend with the surrounding landscape. While many of the original buildings have not survived in their primitive form, their influence is evident in the layout of the old quarters and the design of restored religious sites.

French Colonial Period (Late 19th – Mid-20th Century)

This period significantly influenced Hai Duong's urban landscape and planning. French engineers and architects introduced European styles, adapting them to the local climate. Neoclassical and Art Deco buildings appeared in the city, still shaping the character of its central districts today.

• Stylistic Features: Colonial architecture is characterized by high ceilings, large windows with shutters (louvers), spacious verandas, and the iconic yellow-painted walls.
• Landmark Buildings: Many administrative buildings constructed by the French are still in use today. For instance, institutions such as the Department of Transport and the Department of Culture, Sports, and Tourism are housed in these structures. These buildings serve functional purposes while standing as important historical monuments that give the city a special charm.

Architecture After 1954

Following the departure of the French and during the period of socialist construction, architecture took on a more utilitarian and functional character. The primary focus was on economic recovery and providing housing for the population. During this time, industrial enterprises like the porcelain factory and urban infrastructure facilities, such as the water supply station, were built in Hai Duong. Residential development was represented by standardized apartment buildings, reflecting the general trends of the era.

The Modern Era and Urban Development

Since the late 20th century, and particularly in recent decades, Hai Duong has experienced rapid economic growth and urbanization. This has been directly reflected in its architecture and urban planning.

• Modern Development: The cityscape is changing rapidly: low-rise buildings are giving way to modern residential complexes, office centers, and high-rise towers. The city's territory has expanded significantly, with new urban districts featuring developed infrastructure.
• Urban Planning: Hai Duong's designation as a Class I city in 2019 provided a new impetus for development. Current planning is aimed at creating a "green" and "smart" city. Efforts are underway to modernize the transport network, widen roads, and create comfortable public spaces such as parks and pedestrian zones, demonstrating an integrated approach to urban environment development.

Prominent Figures Associated with Hai Duong

Hai Duong Province, known as the "Land of Scholars," has given Vietnam many outstanding figures in diverse fields—from science and politics to military affairs and medicine. Many of them have left a profound mark on the country's history and culture.

• Nguyen Trai (Nguyễn Trãi, 1380–1442) — A brilliant Confucian scholar, politician, strategist, and poet whose ancestors hailed from Hai Duong. He was a key advisor to Emperor Le Loi and the author of the famous manifesto "Great Proclamation upon the Pacification of the Wu." His contributions to literature and governance are considered among the greatest in the country's history.
• Tue Tinh (Tuệ Tĩnh, 14th century) — A monk revered as the founder of traditional Vietnamese medicine. Born in Cam Giang district, Hai Duong province, he first formulated the principle "Southern medicines for Southern people," advocating for the use of local plants to treat illnesses. His works laid the foundation for national pharmacology.
• Nguyen Thi Due (Nguyễn Thị Duệ, 1574–1654) — The first and only woman in the history of feudal Vietnam to achieve the highest academic degree of "Doctor" (Tien Si). Born in Hai Duong province, she disguised herself as a man to take the imperial examinations and later served at court, educating members of the imperial family.
• Mac Dang Dung (Mạc Đăng Dung, 1483–1541) — The founder and first emperor of the Mac Dynasty. Born in a territory that today belongs to the Hai Duong and Hai Phong region, he rose from the head of the imperial guard to become monarch, establishing a new dynasty that ruled northern Vietnam in the 16th century.
• Le Huu Trac (Lê Hữu Trác, 1720–1791), also known as Hai Thuong Lan Ong — The greatest physician in Vietnamese history, whose ancestral home was in Hai Duong province. His monumental work "Hai Thuong Medical Treasures" is an encyclopedia of traditional medicine, and his humanistic views and scientific contributions have been recognized by UNESCO.
• Vu Huu (Vũ Hữu, 1437–1530) — An outstanding mathematician who served at the court of the Later Le Dynasty. Originally from Hai Duong, he created important mathematical works used for land measurement, taxation, and construction, making a significant contribution to the development of exact sciences in Vietnam.