For the people of Tua Chua, even as modern life brings changes, the weekly market retains its traditional value. It is not just a place for trading but also a true weekend festival. This market brings together the cultural essence of ethnic communities, from the vibrant colors of their embroidered costumes to unique local specialties. Tua Chua market is likened to a “miniature Northwest” – a place where visitors can fully experience the rhythm and breath of highland life.
Unlike traditional markets that are held on fixed days of the week, Tua Chua offers more options for visitors. In addition to the Ta Sin Thang market, which takes place on the days of the Rat and Horse, or the Xa Khe market on the days of the Cat and Rooster according to the traditional lunar calendar, tourists can also experience the bustling atmosphere of the weekend market right in Tua Chua town on Saturday evenings and all day Sunday. This flexibility allows visitors to immerse themselves in the unique cultural space whenever they choose to visit.
The Tua Chua market is more than just a commercial center. It is a community gathering place where ethnic people from distant villages come together after a week of hard work in the fields. They come to exchange their homegrown produce, but more importantly, it is an opportunity to meet, chat, share joys and sorrows, and strengthen neighborhood bonds. The sound of laughter and friendly inquiries resonate throughout the market, creating a vibrant picture of the cultural life of the highland people.
Especially, the market is also a romantic space for young men and women. Amidst the bustling crowd, eyes meet, and conversations spark, leading to many new relationships. This is where couples find each other and where many love stories begin, adding to the cultural charm of the highland people’s marital life. Women gather in groups of five or three, exchanging experiences in farming, child-rearing, or simply admiring the intricate handicrafts, creating a warm and cohesive atmosphere.
The goods at the Tua Chua market are abundant and diverse, reflecting the characteristics of the self-sufficient agricultural system and the ingenuity of the local people. From the intricately embroidered costumes with exquisite patterns and motifs that embody the cultural identity of each ethnic group, to fresh agricultural products such as vegetables, fruits, and rare herbs collected from the deep forests. Visitors can easily find simple yet durable household items and various livestock such as chickens, pigs, and birds that the locals bring from their homes to sell. Most of the products are homegrown and handmade, ensuring freshness and original quality.
Especially, when visiting the Tua Chua market, tourists must not miss the two famous specialties of the local Mong people: the black chicken of Tua Chua and the renowned Mong Pe corn wine. The black chicken, with its firm and delicious meat and high nutritional value, has become a culinary trademark of Tua Chua. Meanwhile, Mong Pe wine, with its warm and robust flavor from traditionally fermented corn, is an indispensable drink in the festivals and daily meals of the Mong people. These specialties are not just commodities but also represent the culinary and cultural essence of Tua Chua.
On August 13, 2024, the People’s Committee of Dien Bien province issued Decision No. 1410/QD-UBND, officially recognizing the Tua Chua Market as a tourist destination. This is a significant milestone, affirming the value and potential of the market in the tourism map of Dien Bien and the Northwest region. With this decision, the People’s Committee of Tua Chua town is assigned the responsibility of organizing, managing, exploiting, and developing the tourist site in accordance with the Law on Tourism.
The recognition of the Tua Chua Market as a tourist destination will provide a strong impetus for the locality to develop infrastructure, improve service quality, and diversify experiences for visitors. This will not only attract domestic and international tourists to explore the culture but also contribute to improving the livelihoods of ethnic communities through community-based tourism activities. As the sun sets, taking the last rays of sunlight with it, the Tua Chua market also disperses, but the echoes of laughter, the encounters, and the mountain specialties linger. People bid farewell, promising to meet again at the next market, carrying the hope for a brighter future for Tua Chua tourism.
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