Van Phu Ward’s Xoan Singing: Where Cultural Essence Converges

Today, Van Phu Ward is not merely a modern administrative unit but has firmly established its position as the “heritage heart” of the Hung Kings’ Ancestral Land. Van Phu has become a bright spot in the preservation and promotion of Xoan Singing, bringing the heritage from archived documents to a vibrant and sustainable revival within the modern flow of life.

Phu Tho’s Xoan Singing is frequently featured in major artistic programs across the province.

Following the policy of administrative restructuring, Van Phu Ward has become the gathering place for all four original Xoan guilds: An Thai, Phu Duc, Kim Doi, and Thet.

Preserving Xoan Singing in Van Phu is not just about protecting a performing art form; it is about guarding a part of the nation’s soul, creating an invisible yet unbreakable bond between the present and our roots. Following the issuance of the Project to Preserve and Promote the Value of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity - Phu Tho Xoan Singing (2020-2025), local authorities rapidly transformed preservation efforts into a profound socio-cultural movement. The seamless integration of monument management, festival activities, and educational propaganda has created a sustainable cultural ecosystem where essence is nurtured and shared.

Learning and practicing Xoan Singing are regular educational activities organized in schools.

An impressive result over the past five years is the successful organization of more than 100 Xoan performances at local historical sites. The melodies of Xoan now resonate not only during traditional festivals—such as the Van Luong Temple Festival or the An Thai Communal House Festival—but have also become a unique spiritual gift for tourists. This regular presence has powerfully promoted the identity of Phu Tho’s land and people, transforming heritage into a driving force for local socio-cultural development.

People’s Artisan Nguyen Thi Lich, Head of the An Thai Xoan Guild, shared: "When performing Xoan Singing for tourists, I feel their deep love for it, especially among international visitors who often wish to join in. We always dedicate a segment of our program for interaction, guiding guests as they perform alongside us. Through this, Xoan Singing once again reaches people from all over the world. Locally, I am proud that each guild now has 4 to 5 generations performing together—the clearest evidence of our success in preserving this heritage."

The younger generation continues the tradition of their ancestors, serving as the core of cultural performances for tourists at Hung Lo Communal House.

Alongside performances, the systematic and passionate training of the next generation in Van Phu is conducted through direct classes led by veteran artisans. With five classes teaching hundreds of students and youth union members, Van Phu has successfully “passed the torch” of heritage to the future. These sessions go beyond vocal techniques and rhythmic drumming; they help the youth understand their roots and foster a sense of pride and responsibility toward their hometown’s traditions.

To create the best environment for practicing this heritage, the restoration of performing spaces has been prioritized. Historical sites linked to Xoan Singing, such as An Thai Communal House and the Hung Vuong Ancestral Temple, have been renovated. In addition to the state budget, the locality has effectively mobilized social resources to purchase instruments and costumes, showing great consensus from businesses and individuals.

While challenges remain, Van Phu has proactively adapted with creative orientations. The locality is increasing the use of digital technology to build electronic archives, making the heritage more accessible via social media. In the coming time, Van Phu will continue to develop community performance spaces linked to experiential tourism. Xoan Singing will become a signature tourism product through models like “Xoan Singing in Ancient Villages,” transforming Van Phu’s relics into attractive cultural destinations where visitors can directly learn to sing and experience the vibrant local life.

Le Hoang