As part of its strategy to position culture as a core driver of sustainable development, Quang Ninh province is rolling out a series of large-scale cultural, tourism, and sporting events throughout December.

A dancing performance at the Ha Long Carnival 2025.

These events are expected to draw between 10,000 and 50,000 visitors, contributing to the northern province’s goal of developing identity-rich culture linked with heritage and night-time economic activities.

A highlight of the month is the ceremony marking UNESCO’s recognition of the Yen Tu – Vinh Nghiem – Con Son, Kiep Bac relic and scenic complex as a world cultural heritage site.

The celebration will be held from December 18 to 22 at the Yen Tu site by Quang Ninh province, Hai Phong city, and Bac Ninh province.

This heritage complex is a distinctive spiritual and cultural space associated with the formation and development of the Truc Lam Zen Buddhist sect, founded by King-Monk Tran Nhan Tong.

The official ceremony, set for the evening of December 20 at Minh Tam Square, will follow UNESCO protocols and be broadcast live by Vietnam Television (VTV). A special music programme featuring renowned Vietnamese artists will accompany the event.

The schedule also includes a commemoration of the 717th anniversary of King-Monk Tran Nhan Tong’s attainment of nirvana and the Yen Tu Festival, themed “Heritage Journey – World Essence”.

Activities range from an exhibition on the thousand-year heritage and a "One Commune, One Product" (OCOP) fair, a culinary festival to folk games, film screenings, and the 2025 Quang Ninh open cycling race.

On December 21, the Extra Special Night music festival will take place at Sun Carnival Square in Bai Chay ward, featuring a grand seaside concert and a fireworks show expected to attract 10,000 spectators.

The province will close the year with a large-scale New Year’s Eve art programme themed “Quang Ninh welcomes 2026 – Journey to the sun” on December 31 at October 30 Square.

The 180-minute event will combine live music, EDM, modern visual technology, and a high-altitude fireworks display. Attendance is expected to reach 50,000, showcasing Quang Ninh’s image as a dynamic, creative, and forward-looking province.

In addition, the 17th Vietnam – China International Trade and Tourism Fair will run from December 11 to 15 in Mong Cai ward, featuring over 300 booths and a wide range of trade, investment, and tourism promotion activities between the two countries' border localities.

With meticulous preparations in infrastructure, security, logistics, health services, and communications, Quang Ninh expects this event series will serve as a major driver for its cultural industries and enhance its appeal as a vibrant and modern tourism destination.

Linkages needed to develop unique tourism products in Yen Tu region

BAC NINH - The Yen Tu – Vinh Nghiem – Con Son, Kiep Bac Complex of Monuments and Landscapes, recently recognised by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site, has opened up significant opportunities for cultural and spiritual tourism development in the Northeastern region of Vietnam. Therefore, linkages in building unique tours and tourism products in the Yen Tu area not only contributes to the preservation and promotion of heritage values but also drives sustainable socio-economic development.

Spring pilgrimage to Tay Yen Tu

Bac Giang – Every spring, when the unique yellow apricot blossoms of the Yen Tu mountain bloom, and when the pine, fir, and bamboo forests sway joyfully in the gentle spring breeze, the cultural heritage region of Tay Yen Tu awakens and spreads its beauty, inviting visitors on a journey to attend the spring festivals.

More than 25,000 visitors flock to Tay Yen Tu spiritual and ecotourism complex

BAC GIANG - According to Tay Yen Tu Service Joint Stock Company, from January 30 to February 4, 2025 (or lunar January 2-6), Tay Yen Tu spiritual and ecotourism complex welcomed more than 25,000 visitors.

Nhan Ly - the ancient village at the foot of Tay Yen Tu

BAC GIANG – According to archaeologists, along Provincial Road 293 (also known as the Tay Yen Tu spiritual route), there are many ancient villages that have existed since at least the Tran dynasty (13th-14th centuries) or the post-Le dynasty (15th-18th centuries), with visible remnants of temples and shrines dating back to around the 18th century that still stand today. One of the ancient villages in the Mai Suu region is Nhan Ly.