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Phước Tích Heritage Village sits along the banks of the Ô Lâu River in Phong Hòa Commune, Phong Điền District. Established in the early years of 1470, under the reign of King Lê Thánh Tông, it has stood for 552 years.
Phước Tích Heritage Village – Embracing the Ancient Hue Charm for over 500 Years
Echoes of the Past at Phước Tích Heritage Village
Phước Tích epitomizes the classical countryside of Thừa Thiên Huế Province. The village still retains its integral heritage elements such as communal houses, religious structures, rural landscapes, traditional pottery craftsmanship, and neighborhood relations.
In 2009, Phước Tích was recognized as a national heritage site by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism. It is the second rare ancient village to receive such recognition after Đường Lâm Ancient Village in Hanoi.
Phuoc Tich, also known as the Land of Tranquility, became part of Dai Viet after King Che Man offered Chau O and Chau Ly to Dai Viet in 1306. Exploring the village, visitors will encounter Cham relics such as the Quang Te Temple with ancient yoni statues, the Tree Thi Temple honoring the goddess Po Nagar, and intricate stone carvings...
Phuoc Tich is a quaint village boasting 12 river docks symbolizing the first 12 ancestral lineages to explore this land. Even today, locals maintain the tradition of laundering clothes at the river docks, reminiscent of days long gone when there was no running water.
The founding ancestor of the village is Hoang Minh Hung, who settled here after accompanying King Le Thanh Tong in the conquest of Chiem Thanh. Over 500 years later, the villagers still protect the ancestral land and live in ancient communal houses.
Presently, the ancient village of Phuoc Tich preserves numerous invaluable cultural relics, including 13 spiritual sites, 17 ancestral halls, and 11 branch temples. Among the 117 resident houses, 26 are ancient communal houses, with 12 of them possessing exceptional architectural value.
The ancient communal houses in Phuoc Tich all boast a lifespan of over 100 years, with the overall garden layout impeccably maintained. Within the communal house compounds, there are hardly any additional modern constructions made of bricks or concrete.
Today, the historic village of Phuoc Tich offers guided tours in 14 out of 26 garden houses, with 5 houses providing homestay services for up to 30 guests. Visitors can explore the ancient communal houses and participate in traditional baking sessions, Phuoc Tich pottery making, folk games, cycling, boating on the O Lau River, and releasing floating lanterns.
The Art of Pottery in Ancient Phuoc Tich Village
Pottery making in Phuoc Tich has endured numerous ups and downs throughout history. It used to be the primary craft of the villagers. The raw materials included clay and fired wood. Back then, production tools were rudimentary, with floors serving as drying yards and houses as storage for finished products.
The village housed around 10 pottery kilns along the O Lau River. Its pottery products such as pots, bowls, and ceremonial urns were widely distributed. After the liberation in 1975, the villagers were determined to revive the pottery kilns following the devastation of war.
Post-restoration, the kiln system was reconstructed along a spacious area by the O Lau River. The product range expanded to include new designs, featuring both raw and glazed pottery. However, by 1987, pottery making could no longer compete with newer commodities, leading to the dissolution of the Phuoc Tich pottery cooperative.
Today, visitors can explore the ancient pottery kilns in Phuoc Tich Village. Over the years, these silent kilns remain intact, evoking a sense of tranquility. Adjacent to the kilns, a pottery exhibition house attracts many tourists.
The exhibition house showcases a variety of pottery items, from charming clay teapots to delicate vases and intricate urns. These timeless pieces, adorned with the patina of time, transport visitors back to the bygone era of a longstanding traditional craft.
Huế itself stands as a serene and ancient place. But to delve deeper into its ancient traces, venture to Phuoc Tich ancient village along the O Lau River. Grab a Huế tour on Mytour for enticing offers for an exciting trip, and don't forget to follow Mytour's blog for useful daily posts!
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Reference: Travel guide on Mytour
MytourOctober 5, 2022
