Part 2: Building smart cities in harmony with spiritual and cultural identity
Traditional cultural identities—reflected in festivals, architectural landmarks, and diverse communities—combined with strategic orientations in trade, services, light industry, and tourism, will propel the wards of Long Hoa, Hoa Thanh, and Thanh Dien further along their new path of development.
Long Hoa Ward – A sacred land radiating cultural harmony
Located at the heart of historic Tay Ninh, Long Hoa Ward is a newly established administrative unit rich in spiritual and cultural significance. Formed from the merger of Long Hoa and Long Thanh Bac wards with the communes of Truong Hoa, Truong Tay, and Truong Dong, the ward spans 55.99 square kilometres and has a population of over 106,000—the largest among the newly formed wards. This provides a vast and sustainable space for urban development.
One of Long Hoa ward’s most distinctive features is its large Cao Dai community, which accounts for over 90% of the population.
This spiritual foundation has shaped a unique spiritual and cultural identity, where religious values are deeply woven into everyday life, traditional arts, and long-standing customs. It forms a strong foundation for the development of spiritual tourism, drawing visitors from across the globe. Major religious festivals such as the Great Festival of Duc Chi Ton, “Hoi Yen Dieu Tri Cung” (a greatreligious banquet for the Great Mother and nine female immortals of the DieuTri Palace) alongside the majestic architecture of the Tay Ninh Holy See, have become lasting cultural landmarks
Economically, Long Hoa Ward is set to become a key growth pillar, with major projects in commerce, services, and light industry tailored to serve tourism. Well-planned investments in transport infrastructure and public amenities are not only improving quality of life but also creating favourable conditions for business activities and attracting investment opportunities.
Alongside economic growth, the preservation and promotion of cultural heritage remain a top priority. Infrastructure upgrades are carried out with the utmost respect for historical sites, sacred spaces, and traditional architecture.
The harmonious blend of development and preservation is the key for Long Hoa to assert its place in a period of dynamic transformation, where spiritual beliefs and the drive for innovation together shape a promising future.
Hoa Thanh Ward – Where Tradition Meets Modernity
The name "Hoa Thanh" carries special meaning, honouring the legacy of the former Hoa Thanh town. The ward was formed from the merger of two central wards: Long Thanh Trung and Long Thanh Nam.
Covering an area of 20.42 km² and home to nearly 41,000 residents, Hoa Thanh Ward is striving to modernise its urban structure—retaining its familiar name while pursuing development on a new, more contemporary scale.
Hoa Thanh ward’s strategic location is one of its defining strengths. With its administrative centre situated in the heart of the former Long Thanh Trung ward, it ensures optimal traffic connectivity and efficient governance—laying a strong foundation for future development initiatives.
This restructuring opens the door to comprehensive infrastructure modernisation, driving growth in trade, services, and light industry, and directly improving the quality of life for residents.
Amidst dynamic development, Hoa Thanh ward is emerging as an attractive destination for investors, thanks to its strong potential in infrastructure and public utilities.
At the same time, traditional cultural values are being preserved and celebrated through folk festivals, artistic programmes, and architectural landmarks with historical significance.
The convergence of modern elements and deep-rooted tradition creates not only a harmonious living environment but also highlights the unique identity of the local community.
Looking ahead, Hoa Thanh Ward is expected to evolve into a model urban centre. Large-scale investment projects are underway, promising to attract high-quality human resources and both domestic and international businesses.
This marks an important milestone, affirming the aspiration for integration and sustainable development while preserving the community’s identity—opening a new and promising chapter for this land.
Thanh Dien ward - Cultural heritage blends with modern aspirations
Thanh Dien is a land of profound historical significance, formed from the merger of part of the dynamic Hiep Tan Ward and part of the traditional Thanh Dien commune of the former Chau Thanh district.
Following the administrative reorganisation, Thanh Dien Ward now covers 30.73 square kilometres and has a population of 43,528—a testament to its vitality and development potential.
The name Thanh Dien is more than just a legacy—it serves as a proud reminder of the bravery of Tay Ninh’s people and soldiers during the country’s two great wars of resistance.
That name heroic years etched into the community’s collective heritage, forming a strong spiritual foundation for both present and future growth.
With its administrative centre located in the modern part of the former Hiep Tan Ward, Thanh Dien emerges as a dynamic intersection of past and present. Infrastructure development projects—especially in transport—are being synchronised to not only enhance living standards but also facilitate commerce, services, and economic investment. New schools, hospitals, and recreational facilities are being upgraded and expanded, visibly marking Tay Ninh’s urban transformation.
Alongside this modern rhythm of life, Thanh Dien continues to preserve its cultural essence through festivals, artistic activities, and the conservation of historical sites. The fusion of proud tradition and modernity creates a unique cultural landscape that captivates researchers, investors, and tourists alike.
Looking to the future, Thanh Dien Ward is not just a place of historical memory—it is a launching pad for innovative ideas, poised to become a key economic hub and elevate Tay Ninh’s regional standing.
(to be continued)
By Truc Bach - Translated by Tuong Vinh
Source: https://baolongan.vn/ky-nguyen-vuon-minh-phat-trien-do-thi-thong-minh-hai-hoa-cung-ban-sac-van-hoa-tam-linh-bai-2--a198002.html
Part 3: Unlocking trade in emerging urban hubs
Take decisive measures to accelerate public investment disbursement
