Blog Details

Quang Ninh: Awakening Heritage in a New Era

Quang Ninh, rich in history and culture, is home to an extraordinary collection of tangible and intangible heritage that nurtures cultural identity, fosters unity, and inspires national pride. With a vision to develop cultural industries, the heritage economy, and the night-time economy, the province is positioning culture as a driver for sustainable development in a new era.

A historic milestone was reached on July 12, 2025, when the Yen Tu – Vinh Nghiem – Con Son, Kiep Bac complex spanning Quang Ninh, Bac Ninh, and Hai Phong was officially recognized by UNESCO as a World Cultural Heritage site. This is Vietnam’s ninth UNESCO World Heritage and the second trans-provincial heritage site in the country. Alongside the three-time UNESCO-recognized Ha Long Bay and the intangible heritage of Then singing and Tinh lute practices, Quang Ninh affirms its global position as a land of priceless cultural value.

The province has successfully integrated heritage into tourism development. In 2024 it welcomed 19 million visitors, including 3.5 million international guests, with tourism revenue exceeding 46,000 billion VND. Experiences such as Ha Long Bay’s luxury cruises, cave explorations, music shows on the bay, and major festivals like Ha Long Carnaval and Yen Tu Autumn Festival have become distinctive attractions. Community-based tourism in ethnic villages such as Binh Lieu and Ky Thuong has also helped preserve traditions while generating sustainable livelihoods.

In 2025 Quang Ninh expanded its heritage tourism space by linking Ha Long Bay with Bai Tu Long, Co To, and Van Don to form an interconnected cultural network. The launch of the live performance In Search of the Jade Seal at Ngoc Rong Cave, which combines heritage storytelling with cuisine, has captured wide attention. Ngoc Rong Cave has also been chosen to host the Asia Architecture Awards and Asia Travel and Tourism Awards in 2026, further strengthening Quang Ninh’s global cultural profile.

Looking ahead, the province aims to transform heritage into a new growth engine. With policies to support cultural industries, promote digital transformation, and encourage public-private partnerships, Quang Ninh is determined to become one of Asia’s leading destinations for heritage and cultural tourism. By preserving its cultural identity while adapting it for modern development, Quang Ninh is turning heritage into a sustainable source of prosperity and international integration.