Nam Dan Ancient Rock

Ancient stone field Nam Dan, Nam Dan commune, Xin Man (Ha Giang) is one of the famous relics of Ha Giang province and also a national heritage. This heritage is gradually becoming a tourist attraction of Ha Giang.

To reach the ancient stone field Nam Dan, tourists have to go to the town of Cai Pai, Xin Man District and follow 18 km south. Following the winding road,  visitors will quickly witness the large stone plate having fancy shapes.

Next to the Nam Khoong River, the ancient stone Nam Dan is also called "Na Lai", meaning "rice fields has many words" is a monument recognized as national heritage. In the local Nung language, "Nam Dan" means the water source. Here, scientists discovered seven slabs of ston with ancient carvings and two relics of large stone dating back about 2000 years. Many large sedimentary rocks lie along the stream with diverse and unique shapes. There is a stone has shape of a flat board, another has a shape of a chair. On the surface and edges of the stone still retain the status quo natural.

Unlike ancient stones in Sa Pa (Lao Cai), the ancient stone field Nam Dan is ​​less popular ut the beauty of the drawings and the mystery around the stone is no less attractive.
 

Ancient stone field Nam Dan was ranked by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism as a national archaeological monument.

Scientists temporarily divide the engravings on the stones into seven groups: geometric shapes such as circles, rectangles, squares - motif that hold the role of the subject; groups of square and round patterns; group of parallel carved lines; The gas emblem, most of which is feminine, with triangles in the middle; group of human feet with real size, toes deeply engraved into the stone; group of people in two-handed, two-legged hands like in prehistoric frescoes; Group of carvings not defined shape.

In addition to more than 80 engravings, on the surface of the rock there are about 80 holes, which are cut with an average diameter of 5 - 6 cm, 1-2 cm deep, the holes distributed mainly in the western end of the rock. Each stone is a mystery, associated with the thrilling stories bearing the mark of faith, reflecting the spiritual response of the regional ethnic minorities people.

On the surface and the edges of the stone still retain the natural weathering state. There is no trace of artifacts but the redevelopment of the ancient inhabitants as the stone is piled up on the large rock below by three smaller blocks with triangular structures. The impact on the placement of certain rock structures has made it distinct from other natural rocks.

According to scientists, the Nam Dan relic can be a grave of the community leader or worshiping spirits area for ancestors and prominent people of the community. In addition, the Nam Dan relic might relate to the worship of the stone gods of prehistoric people.

In 2008, ancient stone field Nam Dan was ranked by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism as a national archaeological monument. It can be said that the ancient stone field Nam Dan has special values ​​in terms of culture, history, beliefs and values ​​of scientific research. This place contains great tourism potential and will be a very interesting sightseeing place for tourists. In the near future, there are many tour operators who intend to make this relic become a key destination in the walking tour program, visiting villages in Ha Giang.