Phu Luu Village is a popular part of Bac Ninh Province because of its exceptional trading practices and remarkably intelligent individuals with a high degree of urbanization while preserving its culture and traditions.
Also known as Giau Village or Giau Market, Phu Luu Village has been in the trading business since the 15th century. Any and all kinds of things were sold and bought from fabric such as silk, groceries, betel and areca which were displayed in communal house yards to cattle, fish, shrimp, meat and even plough which were positioned at the end of the village. By the end of the 19th century, Phu Luu grew into one of the most influential markets in the country. Moreover, the residents also ventured into the woodworking and cooking business, honing them into excellent entrepreneurs.
The remarkable trading culture of Phu Luu Village may be attributed to the fact that it is situated at the centre of the Northern Delta region which is the capital of the wet rice civilization. It is regarded as an “open” area and thus adaptable to urbanization. But despite this, the village retained its long-held traditions and history. This includes preserving it curved-roofed communal houses, green-stoned alleys, grand temples and the Phap Quang Pagoda with its beautiful bell tower and moss-covered walls.
Image by https://www.vietnamartnews.com/2017/04/phu-luu-village-in-bac-ninh-province/
Aside from its superior trading skills, Phu Luu Village is also home to intellectuals and famous people. Hoang Tich Chu and Thanh Chuong are known in the field of painting. Kim Lan and Nguyen Dang Bay became popular writers, while Ho Bac excelled as a musician.
But as the saying goes, success doesn’t come without a sacrifice. Most women at Phu Luu Village worked at farms which were far from their homes. Because of this, they opted to have their children adopted since they couldn’t be there to take care of them. Phu Luu Village used to hold the highest adoption rate in the North.
But then again, Phu Luu Village is a fine example of a thriving community which learned to master the balance between adapting to progress and preserving its culture.