From the imprint of ancient Tran Bien to the land of Dong Nai today

Archived documents, ancient maps, woodblocks, photographs, and administrative records preserved through different historical periods are being brought to life as a vivid historical narrative. These materials not only recount the story of the land and its people but also help affirm the position of Dong Nai City in its process of development and integration.

Dong Nai’s history through rare documents

Within the exhibition space at the Dong Nai Historical Archives Center, time-worn maps, rare documents, artifacts, photographs, and Nguyen Dynasty woodblocks are displayed solemnly, guiding visitors through the nearly 330-year history of the ancient Tran Bien region. A significant milestone came in 1698, when Lord Nguyen Phuc Chu appointed Marquis Nguyen Huu Canh to administer the southern land.

Visitors at the exhibition “From the Imprint of Ancient Tran Bien to the Land of Dong Nai Today” at the Dong Nai Historical Archives Center. Photo: Cam Thanh

Marquis Nguyen Huu Canh established Gia Dinh Prefecture along with the Tran Bien and Phien Tran garrisons, officially incorporating the Dong Nai region into the administrative system of the Dai Viet nation. This was not only an administrative decision but also a strategic step that affirmed the nation’s long-term sovereignty over the southern land. Following this milestone, the Tran Bien region rapidly became a destination for migrants from the central and northern regions who came to reclaim and cultivate the land. Bringing with them their customs, traditions, knowledge, and industrious spirit, they transformed the once-pristine wilderness into prosperous villages and settlements.

Beyond economic and demographic development, Tran Bien soon established itself as a cultural center. In 1715, the Tran Bien Temple of Literature was constructed. As the first temple of literature in the Southern region, it reflected the tradition of valuing education and the administration’s commitment to promoting learning. Throughout the 18th century, alongside the stability of the Nguyen Lords’ administration, the administrative system in Tran Bien was increasingly consolidated.

Master Tran Quang Toai, Chairman of the Dong Nai City Association of Historical Sciences, said that the exhibition “From the Imprint of Ancient Tran Bien to the Land of Dong Nai Today” not only recreates the process of Dong Nai’s formation and development but also helps affirm Tran Bien as one of the earliest settled regions in the South.

While the first section of the exhibition portrays the process of territorial expansion and the establishment of sovereignty, the area dedicated to the resistance wars against the French colonialism and the American imperialism for national salvation evokes profound emotions about the patriotism and indomitable fighting spirit of the armed forces and people of Dong Nai. After the country's reunification, Dong Nai entered a period of reconstruction marked by numerous hardships and challenges. From a locality heavily affected by the consequences of war, Dong Nai has gradually developed into one of the country’s major industrial centers.

On April 30, 2026, Dong Nai officially became a city, contributing to affirming the position, stature, and aspirations of a land with a rich historical tradition spanning over three centuries of formation and development.

Bringing documentary heritage closer to the public

Many students visiting the exhibition “From the Imprint of Ancient Tran Bien to the Land of Dong Nai Today” expressed deep emotions when viewing the stories, images, and historical and cultural artifacts on display. According to Tran Dinh Trung Dung, a student at Lac Hong University in Tran Bien ward, he had previously learned about history mainly through books. However, seeing the maps and related documents firsthand enabled him to gain a deeper understanding of Dong Nai’s historical development across different periods.

From May 6 to 22, the exhibition of archival documents titled “From the Imprint of Ancient Tran Bien to the Land of Dong Nai Today” is being held at the Dong Nai City Historical Archives Center in Tran Bien Ward. The exhibition features more than 200 representative documents, images, and artifacts related to the Dong Nai region and is open to the public free of charge.

Dang Thanh Hoang, Deputy Director of the Department of Home Affairs, said that the exhibition materials were carefully selected from various sources, primarily rare documents preserved at the National Archives Centers and agencies in Dong Nai City. The exhibition combines traditional static displays with the application of modern technology, helping enhance the effectiveness of information dissemination and making the exhibition more engaging for the public, particularly younger generations.

“The Department of Home Affairs hopes that this exhibition can contribute to realizing the goal of bringing archival documents closer to the public. In the coming period, the department will continue to advise the City People’s Committee on implementing measures to enhance the effectiveness of state management in archival work, promote document digitization, strengthen the collection, classification, and preservation of records, and diversify methods of accessing and using archival materials to better serve agencies, organizations, and the public,” Hoang said.

After Dong Nai’s milestone of becoming a city, reflecting on history holds even more special significance for the city as it continues to uphold its traditions, strengthen its cultural identity, and build a foundation for a new stage of development.