On the morning of May 7, 2025, the Vietnam National Museum of History (VNMH) had a meeting with the delegation of Nanjing University, led by Professor Xia Wencao. Accompanying the delegation was Professor Koh Rion (Huang Xiaofen), an expert from the University of East Asia (Japan). Representing the museum were Dr. Nguyen Van Doan, the Director, along with senior staff from Archaeology Department.
During the meeting, Professor Xia Wencao emphasized the significance of the Dong Son culture in the formation of Vietnam’s ancient civilization. He mentioned that researchers in Nanjing have shown great interest in bronze artifacts of Dong Son in recent years. As part of the trip, they conducted a field survey at the Luy Lau ancient citadel relic in Bac Ninh, where the Vietnam National Museum of History and the University of East Asia (Japan) are carrying out the 8th archaeological excavation. While examining the ceramic artifacts discovered at the site, Professor Xia observed that they clearly reflect characteristics of the local culture.
Panoramic photo of the meeting at the VNMH
On this occasion, Professor Xia Wencao expressed his desire to further strengthen the collaboration between Nanjing University and the Vietnam National Museum of History, particularly in the fields of archaeology as well as the study of ceramics and bronze artifacts related to the Dong Son culture. He also highlighted the role of major river basins - including the Red River in the North, the Con River in the Central, and the Mekong River in the South - in the formation and development of ancient cultures in Vietnam. He believes that this will be a promising direction for future research.
On behalf of the VNMH, Dr. Nguyen Van Doan expressed his appreciation for the goodwill and cooperation proposals from Nanjing University. He affirmed the importance of promoting cultural research collaboration between Vietnam and other countries in the region, as it provides a foundation for expanding knowledge and uncovering hidden historical and cultural values.
The meeting took place in an open atmosphere, with both sides reaching an agreement on the proposed areas of research collaboration. The VNMH will carry out the necessary procedures in accordance with regulations upon receiving the official letter from Nanjing University.
During the meeting, Dr. Nguyen Van Doan extended his gratitude to Professor Koh Rion and other colleagues from the University of East Asia for their long-standing and effective cooperation with the VNMH over the past years.
Thu Hien