Quang Ninh invests in “Cultural village models” to promote sustainable tourism

Quang Ninh province is home to more than 162,000 ethnic minority residents, accounting for 12.31% of the province’s population. The rich cultural diversity of these communities offers significant potential for tourism development, contributing to sustainable livelihoods for local people. “Cultural Village Models” projects aim to integrate cultural preservation with the growth of local tourism, especially in mountainous and ethnic minority areas.

In recent years, districts with large ethnic minority populations such as Binh Lieu, Ba Che, Tien Yen, Hai Ha, and Dam Ha have identified and leveraged the unique cultural heritage of local communities. By combining these traditions with the stunning natural landscapes of border and highland regions, they have created distinctive, engaging tourism products that attract visitors eager to explore and experience authentic local life.

Ethnic minority residents across the province have actively participated in a wide range of cultural, artistic, and sporting initiatives. Many have joined traditional folk singing and dancing clubs, passed down traditional costume embroidery to younger generations, and established community-based tourism models. During ethnic cultural festivals such as those of the Tay, Dao, San Chi, and San Diu groups, local people take the lead in recreating rituals, performing folk music and dance, competing in sports, and organizing traditional games. Notably, some practices have become iconic tourism attractions, like the women’s football matches held by the San Chi community in Binh Lieu and Tien Yen, which have drawn enthusiastic interest from visitors.

Many local governments are also working to restore and preserve unique cultural activities and festivals. In Mong Cai City, for instance, a detailed 1:500 plan has been approved to develop a Community Cultural Tourism Village in Po Hen Hamlet, Hai Son Commune. Authorities have revived the Po Hen market and organized the Border Sim Flower Festival to promote tourism tied to cultural preservation.

In Van Don District, the San Diu Ethnic Cultural and Tourism Village in Binh Dan Commune was developed on the site of an old cultural house. The project includes new infrastructure such as an expanded access road, a ceremonial square, a village gate, a heritage exhibition space, and a modern sound and lighting system for traditional performances. Officially opened in December 2024, the village now serves not only as a center for cultural conservation but also as a vibrant venue to showcase the distinct identity of the San Diu people to domestic and international tourists.

With a focus on experiential, cultural, and community-based tourism, the San Diu Village is expected to become a key destination in Van Don’s tourism landscape, adding unique value to the province’s offerings and drawing increasing numbers of visitors.

Ultimately, restoring and preserving ethnic minority villages is more than a cultural initiative, but it represents a strategic direction toward identity-rich and sustainable development. When local communities are empowered to take ownership of their cultural spaces, they do more than protect heritage, and they innovate and create new livelihoods from it, fulfilling both cultural aspirations and economic needs.