From traditional festivals and folk performances to heritage tours and cultural events, Quang Ninh has tried its best to find new ways to celebrate its history, preserve local traditions and share its cultural identity with visitors.
Throughout 2026, a wide range of cultural and artistic events has brought residents and tourists closer to the city's heritage. Ha Long Carnaval, the Quang Ninh Summer Culture, Sports and Tourism Week, Y-Fest, special performances and light shows have added new experiences to the tourism calendar.
These events reflect Quang Ninh's efforts to bring cultural traditions into everyday life while creating more opportunities for people to discover the region's history and customs.
In the first nine months of 2026, Quang Ninh organized 286 tourism and cultural promotion events, including 18 national and international events.
Several major performances attracted large audiences. A special program marking War Invalids and Martyrs Day at October 30 Square on July 24 drew about 40,000 spectators, while the opening ceremony of Miss World 2026 at Halong Marina on August 12 attracted around 10,000.
On August 28, approximately 100,000 people attended “Quang Ninh - A city with a bright future”, a performance marking the announcement of the National Assembly's resolution establishing Quang Ninh city and the city's receipt of the First-Class Labor Order.
Other activities included illuminated cruise ship displays on Ha Long Bay, 3D projection mapping, traditional food festivals, local product fairs and cultural performances.
Together, these events have given residents and visitors more opportunities to enjoy the city's cultural life.
Quang Ninh welcomed 18.8 million visitors in the first nine months of 2026, up 9.9% from the same period last year. Tourism revenue reached approximately 56.4 trillion dong, an increase of 27.38%. Beyond these figures, the city's appeal lies in the richness of its natural landscapes, history and cultural traditions.
Quang Ninh is home to Ha Long Bay, the Yen Tu historical and scenic complex, and more than 600 historical and cultural sites. Its heritage also includes traditional craft villages, folk art, festivals and the customs of different ethnic communities. Each offers a glimpse into the lives, beliefs and traditions of generations who have shaped the region.
Preserving these values while making them accessible to younger generations and visitors has become an important part of Quang Ninh's approach to cultural and tourism development.
The city has also created more opportunities for visitors to experience local culture beyond traditional sightseeing tours. Evening activities have recently expanded to include pedestrian streets, night markets, local food experiences, artistic performances, musical fountains, fireworks and cruises on Ha Long Bay.
These experiences allow visitors to spend more time exploring the city and enjoying its atmosphere after sunset.
Since May 30, 2026, Quang Ninh has piloted evening visits to its Museum and Library complex, combining exhibitions with interactive activities. The city has also prepared additional cultural experiences around October 30 Square and the Planning, Fair and Exhibition Palace. These initiatives aim to make cultural spaces more welcoming and encourage people to explore local history and heritage in different ways.
Nguyen Thi Thuong Huyen, a visitor from Hanoi, said she noticed the changes during her latest trip. “I've visited Quang Ninh many times, but this year feels different”, she said. “There are more things to do in the evening, from walking streets and food areas to live performances, musical fountains and fireworks. It makes the trip more enjoyable”.
While introducing new experiences, Quang Ninh also places importance on preserving the traditions that make the region distinctive.
Traditional festivals, folk performances and local crafts carry stories about the land and its people. They reflect the beliefs, skills and ways of life passed down through generations.
Artists, artisans and local communities play an important role in keeping these traditions alive. By taking part in cultural activities, sharing their knowledge and passing on traditional skills, they help ensure that local heritage remains part of contemporary life.
For visitors, these encounters offer a deeper understanding of Quang Ninh beyond its well-known landscapes.
For local communities, they provide opportunities to celebrate their identity and share the traditions they value. Protecting cultural heritage also requires careful management as tourism continues to grow.
Quang Ninh has completed six applications for heritage site classification and is continuing to implement UNESCO recommendations for the Yen Tu historical and scenic complex. These efforts reflect the importance of balancing tourism activities with the protection of historic sites, natural landscapes and cultural spaces.
Cooperation among local authorities, cultural organizations, artists, businesses and communities will remain essential to preserving these values for future generations.
Quang Ninh's heritage is found not only in its famous landmarks but also in the everyday traditions, stories and customs of its people.
By celebrating these traditions and creating opportunities for visitors to experience them, the city hopes to keep its cultural identity alive while sharing the beauty and diversity of its heritage with a wider audience.
As Quang Ninh continues to welcome visitors from Vietnam and abroad, preserving the traditions that make the region unique remains central to its cultural and tourism development.
