1. Overview of Kim Son Communal House – Outstanding National Historical Site in Hai Phong
Kim Son Communal House is a familiar place of worship for the coastal residents of Hai Phong. (Source: Collected)
Nestled amidst the peaceful scenery of Kim Son village, Tan Trao commune, Kien Thuy district, Kim Son Communal House has accompanied the local community for over two centuries, witnessing many historical changes. The temple was built in the late Hau Le dynasty (late 18th - early 19th century), becoming a center of religious activities, closely linked to the spiritual life of the coastal residents of Hai Phong.
The people of Kim Son built the temple to worship the village tutelary god, the deity reputed to be the founder of the land, who established Kim Son village and taught the residents the salt-making craft. At the same time, the village tutelary god is also considered the ancestor of the salt-making profession, closely associated with the salt production tradition and the economic life of the coastal village. Thus, Kim Son Communal House is not only a spiritual place but also a cultural, economic, and historical symbol of the community.
Besides its religious value, Kim Son Communal House also stands out with its imprint of revolutionary history. In 1986, the temple was recognized as a national-level revolutionary historical relic, acknowledging its important role in the Viet Minh movement in Kien Thuy. The temple once hosted secret meetings, rallies, protests against the Japanese colonialists, and other important revolutionary activities.
Notably, on July 12, 1945, Kim Son Communal House hosted a grand rally of the Viet Minh, announcing the Kien Thuy District National Liberation Committee – the first revolutionary government in Kien An province and the Northern coastal region. These historical milestones have deeply engraved the name of Kim Son Communal House in the hearts of the Kien Thuy Party Committee and people, becoming a vivid symbol of the patriotic tradition and revolutionary spirit of the coastal land of Hai Phong.
2. Revolutionary history associated with Kim Son Communal House
The space of Kim Son Communal House is closely associated with the spiritual life of the local people. (Source: Collected)
Not only a traditional place of worship, Kim Son Communal House is also associated with important milestones of the local revolutionary history during the pre-uprising period. In the years of fervent struggle for independence, the communal house became a spiritual anchor and a secret operational base, contributing to the victory of the August Revolution in the Kien Thuy – Hai Phong region.
2.1. Role of Kim Son Communal House in the Viet Minh Movement (1944–1945)
During the preparation for the General Uprising of August 1945, Kim Son Communal House became an important base for the Viet Minh movement in the locality. The sacred space of the communal house witnessed many secret meetings, where revolutionary cadres conveyed policies, organized forces, and planned struggle activities against colonialists and fascists.
The spacious courtyard of the communal house became an ideal gathering place for the people of Kim Son, participating in protests against the puppet regime and demanding grain distribution to alleviate famine during difficult years. Furthermore, the communal house was also the site for the establishment and training of revolutionary self-defense units, guarding and protecting bases, and consolidating the Viet Minh movement. These activities helped the Kim Son movement become one of the strong forces, making an important contribution to the success of the August Revolution in the Kien Thuy – Kien An region.
2.2. Typical Events: Viet Minh Rally and Establishment of the National Liberation Committee
On July 12, 1945, Kim Son Communal House marked an important historical event when the Viet Minh organized a large-scale rally, attracting a large number of local people. At the courtyard of the communal house, the National Liberation Committee of Kien Thuy district officially debuted, marking the birth of the first revolutionary government in Kien An province and the Northern Region (Bac Bo).
This event not only paved the way for the transition from mass movements to the organization of district-level revolutionary government, but also created a symbol of the spirit of solidarity and the determination to achieve national independence of the people in the coastal areas of Hai Phong. The image of the large number of Kim Son people gathering at the communal house on this momentous day became a vivid symbol of patriotism and the determination to fight.
2.3. Kim Son Self-Defense Force After the August Revolution
From the revolutionary spirit forged at Kim Son Communal House, the Kim Son Self-Defense Force was born, becoming the core force to protect the nascent revolutionary government after August 1945. The force was responsible for ensuring security, maintaining order, protecting villages and common community property against sabotage plots.
In addition to its protective duties, the self-defense force actively propagated and mobilized the people to support the new government, contributing labor and resources to the resistance war against the French colonialists. The fighting tradition of the self-defense force, along with the imprint of the anti-Japanese and August Revolution movements in Kim Son, are commemorated at the Kim Son Anti-Japanese Monument, becoming a source of inspiration for educating patriotism for the young generations of Hai Phong.
3. Unique Architectural, Cultural, and Spiritual Values at Kim Son Communal House
Kim Son Communal House plays an important role in the coastal community's spiritual life. (Source: Collected)
Not only bearing the mark of revolutionary history, Kim Son Communal House also converges unique architectural, cultural, and spiritual values of the Northern Vietnamese countryside. Through hundreds of years of existence, the communal house has become a space for preserving community memories, deeply reflecting the spiritual life, traditions, and cultural identity of the people of Kim Son – Kien Thuy.
3.1. Traditional Architecture and Monument Preservation Through Stages
Kim Son Communal House is a typical architectural work of the Nguyen Dynasty, featuring the traditional 'Dinh' (丁) character layout characteristic of Northern Vietnamese communal houses. The communal house stands out with its double-tiered roof structure, gracefully curved hip-and-gable roofs, and curved tiles, creating a solemn and imposing atmosphere.
The sturdy ironwood frame has helped the communal house survive for over two centuries, enduring the harsh climate of Hai Phong's coastal region. Nestled within Kim Son village, the communal house's space exudes an ancient, tranquil charm, offering visitors a sense of peace and serenity whenever they visit.
Currently, Kim Son Communal House still preserves 17 wooden and stone artifacts, hundreds of years old, reflecting the architectural art, traditional aesthetics, and spiritual life of the Kim Son residents. After being recognized as a national revolutionary historical site in 1986, the communal house has always been preserved and restored by the government and people, while also hosting activities to commemorate the August Revolution, National Day (September 2nd), and other major holidays, keeping the relic vibrant amidst modern life.
3.2. Traditional Festivals and Community Activities at Kim Son Communal House
One of the prominent festivals associated with the communal house is the Kim Son Ball Wrestling Festival, held in the courtyard and becoming a unique cultural highlight of Hai Phong. The Ball Wrestling Festival usually takes place on the 6th day of the Lunar New Year, creating a festive atmosphere at the beginning of spring.
From the 30th day of the Lunar New Year, villagers and community groups begin decorating the courtyard, preparing welcome gates and the premises for the festival. On the evening of the 30th, ceremonies to worship the village tutelary god are held in a solemn atmosphere, followed by a prayer ceremony on the afternoon of the 5th day of the Lunar New Year, marking the start of the ball wrestling festival. On the morning of the 6th day of the Lunar New Year, teams of young men compete in the ball wrestling game, passing and bringing the heavy wooden ball to the correct position according to traditional rules, demonstrating the spirit of martial arts and solidarity.
The Kim Son Ball Wrestling Festival not only preserves cultural and spiritual values but also serves as an occasion for the community to interact, connect generations, and maintain the unique cultural identity of Kim Son – Kien Thuy – Hai Phong village.
3.3. Spiritual Significance and Role in Educating the Younger Generation
Kim Son Communal House is a sacred place that worships the village tutelary god, the founder of the land, who established the village and taught the salt-making craft. This belief reflects the spirit of "drinking water, remembering its source," expressing gratitude to the ancestors who built the village and homeland.
Besides its spiritual value, the communal house also plays an important role in educating revolutionary traditions. It marks historical events such as Viet Minh rallies and the establishment of the Kien Thuy revolutionary government, becoming a learning destination for students, youth, and union members. Through incense offerings, visits, and storytelling, the younger generation cultivates patriotism, national pride, and a deeper understanding of their homeland's revolutionary traditions.
The combination of ancient architecture, precious artifacts, the ball wrestling festival, and historical values has transformed Kim Son Communal House into a living museum, preserving and fully conveying the culture, history, and beliefs of the Kien Thuy and Hai Phong region.
4. Guide to Visiting and Experiencing Kim Son Communal House
A visit to Kim Son Communal House promises to offer visitors memorable cultural, historical, and spiritual experiences. Here, you can admire the ancient architecture bearing the mark of the Nguyen Dynasty, feel the peaceful countryside atmosphere in Kim Son, and offer incense to commemorate ancestors and revolutionary heroes associated with the local history.
A must-see highlight is the rally on July 12, 1945, and the event establishing the Kien Thuy District National Liberation Committee, marking an important milestone in the revolutionary movement of Hai Phong's coastal region. If visiting at the right time, tourists also have the opportunity to participate in the Kim Son Ball Wrestling Festival, watch the matches, learn the traditional rules, and understand the local people's wish for favorable weather and abundant harvests.
The Kien Thuy and Hai Phong areas also boast many historical sites related to the August Revolution, National Day (September 2nd), and other unique traditional festivals. Visitors can combine visits to communal houses, pagodas, historical sites, attend local festivals, or enjoy coastal and rural specialties for a complete experience.
High-altitude journeys at Sun World capture impressive scenery.
(Source: Collected)
With ample time, the journey can continue to historical sites within Hai Phong city and Kien Thuy district before moving to Cat Ba island by Sun World cable car, where visitors can immerse themselves in the stunning island and sea scenery, creating a rich tourist trip that combines cultural and historical exploration with nature experiences.
Temple Kim Son is one of Hai Phong's prominent national historical relics, carrying deep cultural and spiritual values and linked to the formation process of the An Duong land. With its ancient architecture and many traditional festivals preserved through generations, this place becomes an attractive destination for tourists who love exploring local history and culture.
