Vivid hues across the Kinh Bac heritage land
BAC NINH – The northern province of Bac Ninh, long regarded as the cradle of Kinh Bac culture, is increasingly gaining attention through films, photography and music projects that highlight its rich heritage and rural landscapes, helping to bring local traditions closer to domestic and international audiences.
Artists and filmmakers have been drawn to Bac Ninh’s dense network of historical relics, ancient architecture and intangible cultural heritage, using the province as a backdrop to recreate images of traditional village life in Vietnam’s Red River Delta.
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The film crew of “Mam co tan xuan” shoots scenes at Bo Da Pagoda. |
Most recently, the film crew of the television series Mam co tan xuan (New Year feast tray) selected Bo Da Pagoda in Van Ha ward as the main filming location for six episodes depicting daily life in rural northern Vietnam, focusing on customs, rituals and traditional Lunar New Year meals.
Over five days of filming, the crew captured scenes within the pagoda’s ancient architectural space as well as along the Cau River, creating images that were simple yet poetic.
Director Nguyen Love, known for his work on folk comedy series and game shows, said Bo Da Pagoda was an ideal setting to portray traditional village life.
“From its architecture and landscape to the depth of community culture, this place helps recreate the atmosphere of old northern villages and brings viewers back to memories of past Tet holidays,” he said.
According to Duong Thi Hoai Thu, Director of the Van Ha Ward Public Service Centre, local authorities coordinated closely with the film crew to ensure filming complied with regulations and did not affect heritage sites or residents’ daily activities.
Bac Ninh’s cultural landscape has also attracted international filmmakers. In 2025, an Indian film crew shot Garden of Love in the province, inspired by the life and contributions of Professor Chu Bao Que, Vice Secretary-General of the Vietnam UNESCO Associations Federation and a prominent researcher and preserver of Bac Ninh Quan ho folk songs.
The production chose locations including Bo Da Pagoda, the Viet Yen Cultural Centre and several ancient villages, communal houses and pagodas with traditional architecture.
Scenes featuring Quan ho performances in these historic settings became emotional highlights of the film, helping introduce Vietnam’s intangible cultural heritage to international audiences.
Producer Biswaroop Roy Chowdhury said that during his time in Bac Ninh, he discovered not only a beautiful landscape but also a strong sense of community rooted in generations of cultural preservation. The film is scheduled for release in early 2026.
Beyond cinema, Kinh Bac heritage continues to inspire photographers, painters and musicians. Images of peaceful villages, traditional festivals and daily community life have been transformed into award-winning works.
Photographer Nguyen Trong Hieu’s photo series Quan ho Kinh Bac at But Thap Pagoda received high recognition for its harmonious depiction of people and heritage spaces, winning a silver medal in the cultural heritage category at the 2025 Heritage Photography Awards.
Other photographers, including Nguyen Huu Thong, have captured images of rural landmarks such as Sau village in Phuc Hoa commune and the red silk cotton flower tree at Ba Co shrine in Tan An ward.
These works have been published in domestic and international media, showcasing the enduring vitality of Bac Ninh’s villages and craft communities, including Phu Lang pottery village and Tho Ha traditional crafts.
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A photograph from the series “Kinh Bac Quan ho and But Thap Pagoda” by photographer Nguyen Trong Hieu. |
Cultural sites and rural landscapes in Bac Ninh are now appearing more frequently in films, music videos and photographic projects, contributing to tourism promotion. A notable example is the music video Bac Bling, which features Quan ho folk songs and landmarks such as Do Temple and Dau Pagoda, sparking interest among visitors eager to explore the province.
According to the provincial Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism, Bac Ninh’s natural scenery and cultural depth are valuable resources for creative industries.
Authorities are encouraging artists and producers to help promote local heritage, linking art, culture and tourism as a sustainable development strategy.
Through artistic expression, Kinh Bac’s heritage is no longer confined to history books but continues to live on in contemporary cultural life.
Bắc Ninh








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