Quang Ninh - A land of heritage

Home to a diverse population representing multiple ethnic groups, Quang Ninh boasts a rich treasure trove of intangible cultural heritage deeply rooted in tradition.

According to the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism, Quang Ninh is currently home to over 640 historical, cultural, and scenic relics, along with more than 360 intangible cultural heritage elements across seven categories: traditional festivals, craftsmanship, performing arts, oral literature, social customs, language and scripts, and folk knowledge.

19 of these intangible heritages have been recognized at the national level, including the Then practice of the Tay, Nung, and Thai ethnic groups, traditional court music, the Cua Ong Temple Festival, the Tien Cong Festival, Tra Co Temple Festival, Quan Lan Temple Festival, Bach Dang Festival, the Soong Co folk singing of the San Chi people, Soong Co singing of the San Diu, Dam Ha Temple Festival, Van Ninh Temple Festival, Spring Plowing Festival, the Wind Avoidance ritual of the Dao in Hoanh Mo, the Coming-of-age ceremony of the Thanh Y Dao, the New Rice celebration of the Tay people, traditional costume-making knowledge of the San Chi, decorative sewing of the Thanh Phan Dao, the Praying for a Bumper Crop ritual of the San Chi, and the coastal antiphonal singing of Quang Ninh.

Notably, the Then practice in Quang Ninh is part of the multinational tradition inscribed by UNESCO on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

There are nearly 120 festivals across the province. Authorities at all levels have recently made great efforts to restore and organize these festivals with their age-old rituals and beliefs in a respectful and civil manner. These events not only satisfy the public’s cultural needs but also foster social cohesion, raise public awareness of cultural preservation, and provide distinctive tourism products to attract visitors.

The diversity and richness of Quang Ninh’s intangible heritage affirm the cultural depth and uniqueness of the province and its people. This heritage forms a strong foundation for broader efforts in preservation, promotion, and public engagement.

Fully aware of the critical role culture plays in sustainable development, the province has, over the years, prioritized the preservation and promotion of its cultural legacy. These enduring values serve as a vital foundation that nurtures local identity, fosters national pride, and strengthens Quang Ninh’s long-term development strategy.