HƯNG YÊN — In the quiet village of Đồng Phú in Hưng Yên Province, the Lê Quý Đôn Memorial preserves the legacy of one of Việt Nam’s most celebrated scholars of the 18th century, while keeping his enduring spirit of learning alive for new generations.

More than a place of historical and cultural significance, it has become a living classroom of tradition, inspiring national pride and fostering the enduring spirit of learning among younger generations.

Born Lê Danh Phương on August 2, 1726, Lê Quý Đôn – literary name Quế Đường – was a native of Diên Hà Village in present-day Lê Quý Đôn Commune.

Raised in a family with a strong scholarly tradition, he was renowned from an early age for his exceptional intellect and passion for learning.

At just 17, he topped the regional imperial examination. In 1752, he achieved the rare distinction of ranking first in the civil service examinations and served as a high-ranking mandarin during the Lê Trung Hưng (Revival Lê) dynasty (1533-1788).

During more than three decades in public service, Đôn wrote around 40 scholarly works spanning history, geography, philosophy, culture, education, military affairs, economics, astronomy and linguistics.

His most influential writings, including Đại Việt Thông Sử (A Comprehensive History of Đại Việt), Phủ Biên Tạp Lục (Miscellaneous Records of the Pacified Frontier) and Kiến Văn Tiểu Lục (A Short Record of Things Seen and Heard), remain invaluable references in Vietnamese scholarship.

Beyond his achievements as a polymath, Đôn was also respected as a dedicated educator and an upright, incorruptible mandarin. His life and legacy continue to embody the virtues of lifelong learning, intellectual curiosity and wholehearted devotion to the nation.

Legacy

The enduring legacy of scholar Lê Quý Đôn continues to be preserved and passed down through generations. In his hometown, the Lê Quý Đôn Memorial was built to safeguard his invaluable heritage and has been recognised as a National Historical and Cultural Heritage site since 1986.

 

Covering nearly 9.7ha in Lê Quý Đôn Commune, the memorial complex comprises a new memorial area, the old relic site and public service facilities. Its three main structures are the Lê Quý Đôn Ancestral House, the tomb of his father, Lê Trọng Thứ, and Lê Quý Lake.

Having undergone several rounds of investment and restoration, the memorial complex has been steadily upgraded and has emerged as a distinctive cultural destination in Hưng Yên.

According to Lê Quý Tự, Đôn's eighth-generation descendant and the person directly responsible for managing the ancestral house – the house was built by Đôn's father and is now nearly 300 years old. The main hall and rear sanctuary have retained almost all of their original architectural features.

For members of the family, the ancestral house is not only a place to worship their ancestors but also a reminder to younger generations of the tradition of valuing education, self-learning and self-discipline, and of the importance of continuing the family's long-standing scholarly tradition.

A living classroom

Beyond preserving traces of the life and career of the eminent scholar, the memorial also serves as a meaningful venue for traditional education, helping promote the spirit of learning and the cultural and intellectual values that Lê Quý Đôn left to future generations.

The memorial complex has a library, housing a wealth of documents and research books on his life and career, which is open to students and the public for study and research.

Every year, commemorative activities marking the birth and death anniversaries of Lê Quý Đôn are held here by local authorities and his Lê Quý clan.

According to Lương Thị Lệ Thu, a tour guide at the memorial, visitor numbers have increased in recent years, including many international groups, researchers, school pupils and university students, as well as tourists from across the country.

Through the artefacts and documents preserved at the memorial, visitors have greater opportunities to learn about the life, career and major contributions of Lê Quý Đôn to Vietnamese scholarship.

Nguyễn Xuân Trường, secretary of the Communist Party Committee of Lê Quý Đôn Commune, said the memorial is not only a valuable historical and cultural heritage site but also a symbol of the local tradition of learning and pride in the homeland.

“UNESCO’s adoption of a resolution honouring Lê Quý Đôn and joining celebrations marking the 300th anniversary of his birth was a great honour for the locality," Trường said.

"It would also provide fresh impetus for the commune to further promote the memorial's heritage values and develop it into a hub for cultural tourism in the province and across the country."

In preparation for the national-level celebrations marking the 300th anniversary of the birth of the celebrated cultural figure, facilities at the memorial complex are being upgraded and completed to welcome visitors.

The preparations are not only for a significant commemorative event but also provide an opportunity to further preserve, honour and promote the heritage values associated with the life and legacy of the eminent scholar Lê Quý Đôn. — VNS