Đà Lạt Pedagody College, a unique architecture built in 1927 by the French. Photo dichoidalat.com

HCM CITY — Đà Lạt City "has what it takes" to become an urban heritage site of the Central Highlands province of Lâm Đồng, experts have said.

Đà Lạt, known for its favourable weather, is often referred to as a “forest in the city and city in the forest”, “fog city” or "city of flowers”, according to Thanh Niên (Young People) newspaper.

Đà Lạt has villas and public architectural works that are inspired by both Asian and European cultures, Lê Quang Trung, director of Lâm Đồng Province's Department of Construction, said.

The style of architecture goes hand in hand with nature, with tourism spots that are different from those found in other cities, he added.

Deputy Chairman of Đà Lạt People’s Committee Võ Ngọc Trình said that if it was not for the pine forest, great weather, distinguished architecture and friendly locals, Đà Lạt would not have gained so much love. 

Authorities in the locality over the years have focused on developing the city while also preserving its cultural heritage, he said.

Trung noted that the Law on Cultural Heritage in 2001 only defines tangible cultural heritage and intangible cultural heritage, but the concept of urban heritage site has not yet been clarified.

However, to preserve and promote the heritage value from a modern urban perspective, it is essential to have a specific policy when developing a heritage site such as Đà Lạt.

Three factors should be considered and preserved, including the climate and natural landscape, existing architectural works, and the culture and people, Trung said.

According to architect Trần Văn Việt, the concept of an urban heritage site is not new, but it is difficult to pursue, considering that Việt Nam has not yet had an urban heritage site.

“Maps from Dr Yersin’s (founder of Đà Lạt) era and urban planning from the French colonial period have to be collected in order to compile a thorough proposal about Đà Lạt before submitting it to the state for recognition of a cultural heritage fund," Việt said.

It is also important to conduct research and assess the value of existing architectural works in the area, among other tasks, he added. — VNS