THE PRACTICE OF LIVING HERITAGE AND THE ROLE OF COMMUNITY INSTITUTIONS IN THE CONSERVATION AND PROMOTION OF THE VALUES OF CHINESE TEMPLES AND ASSEMBLY HALLS IN CHO LON, HO CHI MINH CITY
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DOI:
https://doi.org/10.34238/tnu-jst.15417Abstract
This study aims to clarify community-led practices focused on preserving and promoting the value of Chinese temples and assembly halls in Cho Lon, Ho Chi Minh City. The research combines approaches from archaeology, history, anthropology, architecture, and heritage studies. Field surveys were carried out at nine representative sites between 2024 and 2025. The study also included architectural documentation, in-depth interviews, and community questionnaires using a Likert scale with 127 respondents. The data were used to examine community perceptions and motivations related to heritage conservation. The results show that restoration activities have changed over time. Earlier interventions mainly focused on localized repair, while more recent projects increasingly replaced or reinforced traditional structures with modern materials. These changes were closely connected to the maintenance of religious practices and the practical needs of local communities. Community participation in conservation was influenced more strongly by spiritual values and perceptions of heritage significance than by the physical condition of the buildings. The study further shows that community institutions remain important in maintaining ritual activities and sustaining heritage values. At the same time, the research points to tensions between local practices and current administrative management in the context of urbanization.Downloads
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