“Hoang Hoa su trinh do” (The Envoy’s Journey to China – literally translated as maps and itinerary of the envoy’s journey to China) of the Nguyen Huy family in the central province of Ha Tinh, is an ancient book describing one of the diplomatic activities between Vietnam and China in the 18th century. It features the sending of Vietnamese envoys to China, showing exchanges between the countries in the Asia-Pacific region.
With writings, drawings and maps, the book recorded the diplomatic relationship between Vietnam and China in the 18th century through the journeys of the Vietnamese envoys. It was compiled and edited by Nguyen Huy Oanh (1713-1789) based on documents of previous envoys and historical records, as well as notes from his own journey in 1766-1767, during which he worked as the main envoy of the Vietnamese delegation.
According to Prof. Academician Nguyen Huy My, the 16th descendant of the Nguyen Huy – Truong Luu family, the book was copied by Nguyen Huy Trien in 1887 from the original version compiled by Nguyen Huy Oanh from 1765 to 1767 under the reign of King Le Hien Tong (1740-1786), which has been kept by the Nguyen Huy – Truong Luu family in Can Loc district.
The book, 30cm in length, 20cm in width and 2cm in thickness, was printed on “do” paper. The main content is a map of the route from Nan Guan to Beijing. There are also a variety of pictures of mountains, rivers and natural landscapes. It also describes the reception forms and the length of the road.
“Hoang Hoa su trinh do” is currently the only manuscript kept by the Nguyen Huy family’s descendants in Truong Luu village that reflects the diplomatic relations between Vietnam and China from the 10th century to the 18th century. It is a rare and unique work, valuable in terms of geography, history, politics, diplomacy, culture, customs, and art.
After the ceremony, the certification was preserved at the descendants of the Nguyen Huy family in Ha Tinh.
