“Big River” or “main estuary” is the ancient meaning of Da Nang. Today we explore Phường Phước Ninh. This ward is a piece of Da Nang’s vibrant story.
Phường Phước Ninh is more than just a location. It is a living testament to Da Nang’s dynamic past. Established in 1997, Phường Phước Ninh is now a bustling area within Hải Châu District. But its story stretches back much further.
Once, Da Nang was a small port. It handled goods and ship repairs. Over time Da Nang grew. By the early 18th century, it replaced Hội An as a major commercial hub. European shipbuilding improvements helped Da Nang’s rise. Large ships could easily enter Da Nang Bay.
In 1835, King Minh Mạng made a crucial decision. He declared that European vessels could only trade at Hàn Port which solidified Da Nang’s importance. Local industries flourished. Shipbuilding, processing farm goods, and trade prospered.
French colonists took control in 1889. They separated Da Nang from Quảng Nam Province. They renamed the city Tourane. The city fell under the control of the Governor-General of Indochina.
Tourane developed on a European model in the early 20th century. Social infrastructure and manufacturing technology improved. Agriculture, small industries, and export processing thrived. Tea, food, beverages, and fish sauce were produced here. Shipbuilding and repair services grew. Tourane became a vital trading center alongside Hải Phòng and Sài Gòn.
The French gave authority to the Bảo Đại government in 1950. American marine units landed in 1965. They set up a large military complex turning Da Nang into a key political and military hub. The city boomed during this period. Military bases, airports, ports and communication stations were built. Industries replaced handicraft workshops.
War took a toll. Thousands of rural people became refugees. Slums emerged and social problems increased. Production stagnated.
Đà Nẵng began to recover after gaining independence in 1975. It overcame the war’s consequences. The city’s renovation in 1986 brought positive change.
In 1996, Đà Nẵng became a city directly under the central government. Phường Phước Ninh became part of this new city.
Phường Phước Ninh has a compact area of 0.59 square kilometers. In 1999, it had a population of 12,659. The population density was 21,456 people per square kilometer.
Today, Phường Phước Ninh stands as a testament. It shows resilience and growth. As we conclude our walk, remember the layers of history beneath your feet. Consider the transformation from a small port to a vital urban ward. Phường Phước Ninh continues to evolve contributing to Da Nang’s ongoing story.