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When exploring Ha Giang, tourists will have the opportunity to learn about a unique architectural feature of the local people: the stone fences surrounding the houses of the Hmong people. This is considered a distinctive cultural heritage, reflecting the customs and lifestyle of the mountainous ethnic groups in this region.
The architectural beauty reflects the rich cultural values of the highland people.
The custom of building stone fences has existed for a long time, a beautiful tradition closely linked to the life and work of the Hmong people on the Ha Giang rocky plateau. These stone fences not only possess aesthetic value but also reflect the unique identity of the mountain people. In 2014, the construction of stone fences by the Hmong people was recognized by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism as a National Intangible Cultural Heritage. This title demonstrates the value and importance of stone fences to the lives and work of the people and contributes to building the image of tourism in Ha Giang.
The custom of building stone fences is closely linked to the working and daily life of the people in the highlands.
Stone fences not only have practical value in daily life but also carry profound spiritual significance. The Hmong people consider stone fences a symbol of community solidarity, strength, perseverance, and resilience of the mountain people. They believe that these stone walls can protect them from many dangers and bring good luck.
Architectural features of the stone fence
This is a unique feature in their residential architecture and ethnic identity, showcasing the farming and construction skills of the Hmong people. These stone walls are mainly built around houses, fields, and livestock grazing areas to create boundaries protecting people's property. The height and thickness of the fences can vary depending on the purpose, but are usually about 1-2 meters high and 0.5-1 meter thick.
The construction of these stone fences is quite manual; large, heavy stones are stacked on top of each other without the use of mortar or any other binding material. Stacking these stones requires exceptional physical strength and health. Men are primarily involved in building these fences. Therefore, the stone fence also symbolizes the willpower, strength, and role of men in the family.
The image shows ethnic people arranging stones to form a fence.
Efforts to promote the beauty of the stone fence heritage
Currently, local authorities are making efforts to preserve and promote the heritage value of the Hmong people's stone fences. Educational and training programs are also being implemented to teach and pass on the skills of building stone fences to the younger generation. Tourism projects are also being developed to attract visitors to learn about the local culture, especially the unique heritage of the ethnic minority people such as the stone fences.
Preserving and promoting the heritage of the stone fence contributes to safeguarding the traditional cultural identity of the nation and boosting local tourism.
Stone fences are a precious traditional symbol of the Hmong people. Preserving and promoting this heritage aims to safeguard the cultural identity of the highland ethnic groups and contribute to the promotion of local tourism.
Visitors can find the most beautiful stone fences in several districts of Ha Giang province, such as Dong Van, Meo Vac, Quan Ba, and Hoang Su Phi. Admiring these stunning stone fences will be an enjoyable part of experiencing and appreciating the lives of the local people.
