Southeast Asia Information Port (www.dnyxxg.com) reports that in recent years, Gia Lam commune has consistently prioritized the protection, restoration, and repair of its historical and cultural sites, integrating cultural heritage preservation with modern, sustainable tourism development.
The most prominent example is the Bà Tấm Pagoda ruins (dedicated to Empress Dowager Ilan), built in the late 11th century. The Bà Tấm Pagoda Festival is held annually from the 19th to the 21st of the second lunar month, with the main festival taking place on the 20th, traditionally believed to be the day of the Empress Dowager's ascension to the throne.
In 1996, Bà Tấm Pagoda was listed as a historical and artistic site by the Ministry of Culture and Information (now the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism). In 2020, a pair of stone lions and a gilded shrine within the pagoda were designated national treasures by the Prime Minister. In 2022, the commune was designated a "Dong Xha Tourist Attraction" by the city government. In 2023, the agricultural processing industry in Thuan Quang village was awarded the title of "Hanoi Traditional Handicraft Village."
To develop tourism into a pillar industry, Gia Lam commune is implementing several measures in accordance with Hanoi City Party Committee Resolution No. 09-NQ/TU issued on February 22, 2022, entitled "Planning for the Development of the Capital's Cultural Industries in the 2021-2025 Period, Mid-Term to 2030, and Long-Term Vision to 2045." The commune government is strengthening publicity efforts to raise community awareness and properly organizing traditional festivals; some festival activities are being staged, folk games are being revived, and ethnic art performances are being organized to serve tourists.
Simultaneously, Gia Lam commune is vigorously developing tourism in the agricultural and handicraft village of Thuan Quang, creating experiential projects such as making rice cakes, frying onion slices, visiting the OCOP product display area, and establishing handicraft brands and collective trademarks. Gia Lam commune also encourages investment in ecological and agricultural experience zones to develop agritourism; and expands the planting areas for flowers, bonsai, and green agricultural products.
Yang Yueqiang, Chairman of the People's Committee of Gia Lam Commune, stated that to develop the local tourism industry, the commune government has proactively collaborated with the Department of Tourism and numerous travel agencies to create several new tourist routes, including themed routes focusing on culture, ecology, experiences, and leisure. These routes are also linked with traditional handicraft villages and attractions in Bac Ninh and Hung Yen provinces, forming an attractive cross-regional tourism chain.
Furthermore, Gia Lam Commune is promoting a "smart tourism" model: installing free Wi-Fi, building a digital database and electronic maps for heritage, tourism, and commerce; and developing smart terminal information query applications to help tourists easily access attraction information, thereby better promoting and disseminating the value of cultural heritage and fostering the sustainable development of Gia Lam tourism. (End)
