VHO – On September 9, Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Nguyen Van Hung signed a decision to rank the To Vo Gate scenic spot, Ly Son special zone, Quang Ngai province as a national relic.
According to the Decision, the relic protection area is determined according to the minutes and the map of the protected areas of the relics in the dossier.
The People’s Committees at all levels where the relics are ranked, within the scope of their tasks and powers, shall carry out state management of the relics in accordance with the provisions of the law on cultural heritage.
The To Vo Gate scenic spot fully converges the historical, cultural, scientific and aesthetic values, service – tourism values, and economic values. Therefore, this is an important material basis, a driving force for economic, tourism and cultural development of Quang Ngai province and the whole country.
To Vo Gate is a natural stone arch, nearly 8m long, the height depends on the tide level, but is usually around 5-6m (compared to the upper bridge surface), 2.5m-3.5m (compared to the lower bridge surface) when the tide is low.
To Vo Gate scenic spot was formed from the lava eruption of Gieng Tien volcano (Ly Son), creating a thick basalt layer at the location of To Vo Gate. Over time, the basalt layer of To Vo Gate was broken and affected by the erosion of sea waves related to the sea level rise, breaking into the middle layer of rock with weaker cohesion than the upper layer of rock, creating a hollow, hollow hole like the stone gate with the shape of a To Vo nest.
Because of its wild, unique, distinct, and unique beauty and high recognition, To Vo Gate is one of the famous landscapes of Quang Ngai province and Vietnam.
Located in the cultural space of the sea, with tangible cultural heritage values (Gieng Tien volcano, Duc Pagoda, Hang Cau, Thoi Loi mountain, Xo La well, An Hai communal house, Am Linh Tu, Whale skeleton exhibition house, Hoang Sa Fleet exhibition house managing Bac Hai, Be island area…).
Intangible cultural heritage values are closely linked to the traces and cultural assimilation of the three classes of Sa Huynh – Champa – Dai Viet residents, the history of protecting national sovereignty over seas and islands such as festivals, social customs and beliefs (Khao le the linh Hoang Sa ceremony, Tu linh boat racing festival, Nghinh Ong festival, doi bong festival, pole-raising ceremony…).
Folk knowledge about traditional crafts (onion and garlic growing; net weaving), folk knowledge about cuisine, folk performing arts of traditional songs; Han Nom documentary heritage…
This is also a place for practical experience serving the research and study of the general public; becoming a source of inspiration for creation in many fields of literature, fine arts, and photography.
At the same time, the Ly Son sea in general and the To Vo Gate Scenic Area in particular are favorable environments for the development of seagrass species and coral reefs, creating rich marine resources; providing livelihoods and main sources of income for the majority of people living on the island.
NHU DONG
Source: Culture Newspaper (Posted on September 9, 2025)
