The Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism of Gia Lai, in partnership with the Southern Institute of Social Sciences, hosted a scientific conference on Monday titled “Researching the Value and Orientation for the Conservation and Promotion of the Trường Lũy Monument in Gia Lai Province.” The event also announced preliminary findings from a month-long excavation at the site.
The conference brought together scientists and archaeologists from the Vietnam Association of Historical Sciences, the Southern Institute of Social Sciences, as well as local experts. Provincial leaders, including Vice Chairwoman of the Gia Lai People’s Committee Nguyễn Thị Thanh Lịch, also attended.
Archaeological findings
In his report, Dr. Nguyễn Khánh Trung Kiên, Deputy Director of the Southern Institute of Social Sciences, said the excavation, carried out between May 23 and June 30, had revealed traces of watchtowers at Đồn Dông Hầm and Đồn H4. Researchers also clarified construction methods and architectural features, reinforcing the site’s historical and cultural value.
Photo: Ngọc Nhuận
Stretching 127.4 kilometres from Quảng Ngãi to Gia Lai, with 14.4 kilometres running through Gia Lai, Trường Lũy is considered a unique defensive structure linked to the Nguyễn Dynasty’s border management policies. The fortification also reflects the daily lives of communities in the region.
Heritage recognition
Officials said the findings provide a strong foundation for Gia Lai to prepare a scientific dossier seeking recognition of the Trường Lũy section in the province as a national heritage site. Such recognition could support both conservation work and efforts to integrate the monument into local tourism and education initiatives.
“The research, preservation and promotion of this heritage is not only about honouring the legacy but also about opening up new directions for socio-economic development,” said Đỗ Thị Diệu Hạnh, Director of the provincial Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism, in her opening remarks.
Provincial commitment
Vice Chairwoman Nguyễn Thị Thanh Lịch praised the work of research agencies and said the recommendations from the conference would guide Gia Lai’s policies on heritage protection and tourism development.
Photo: Ngọc Nhuận
She called for continued comprehensive studies, delineation of protected zones along the Trường Lũy system, and concrete plans to promote its cultural and economic value. In the near term, she urged research on the preservation and tourism potential of the Trường Lũy section at La Vuông Plateau.
Alongside Trường Lũy, she also highlighted the need for a broader programme to conserve and promote other heritage assets across the province.
Field survey
Ahead of the conference, experts conducted a field survey on August 24 at three locations within the monument: Đồn H4 in An Lão commune, Đồn Dông Hầm in An Lão commune, and Đồn An Quang in An Hòa commune. The visits aimed to further document construction techniques and the layout of the wall and garrisons.
The conference concluded that identifying and promoting the historical value of Trường Lũy is a vital step toward securing its preservation, while positioning the site as a potential cultural and tourism landmark for Gia Lai in the years ahead.
