On October 30, 1963, Quang Ninh was officially established through the merger of the Hong Quang Area and Hai Ninh Province, opening a new chapter of development in northeastern Viet Nam. The establishment of Quang Ninh City on September 1, 2026, marks the culmination of 63 years of development, reflecting the determination, resilience and aspirations of successive generations. It also paves the way for a new phase of development, with a higher profile, greater standing and more demanding development requirements.
Over the past 63 years, Quang Ninh has built a large-scale economy with an increasingly diversified structure, well-connected transport infrastructure and competitive economic sectors. Today, it plays a strategically important role in national defence, security and external relations. As a gateway connecting Viet Nam with China and the wider world, Quang Ninh occupies a strategic position at the intersection of economic corridors, transport routes, production networks and global supply chains.
Building on its strategic location, natural resources, transport infrastructure and tradition of innovation, Quang Ninh has gradually established itself as a key growth pole in northern Viet Nam, making significant contributions to regional connectivity and international economic integration. In 2025, its gross regional domestic product (GRDP) grew by 11.89%, reaching VND 368.445 trillion. State budget revenue totalled VND 85.909 trillion. Quang Ninh welcomed more than 21.28 million tourist arrivals, including 4.5 million international arrivals, generating over VND 57 trillion in tourism revenue. These results reflect strong economic momentum and a gradual shift towards a greater role for manufacturing, processing and services in the economic structure. They have also provided additional resources for infrastructure development, improved public services and higher living standards.
The Dream Cruise brings more than 2,300 Chinese tourists to Quang Ninh for sightseeing.
In the first nine months of 2026, Quang Ninh City’s GRDP grew by 12.54%, the highest rate nationwide, while growth in the third quarter alone reached 15.04%. The city welcomed approximately 18.8 million tourist arrivals, including 4.21 million international arrivals, with tourism revenue estimated at VND56.4 trillion. State budget revenue was estimated at VND80.327 trillion. The city has stepped up efforts to remove bottlenecks affecting delayed projects, accelerate public investment disbursement and boost manufacturing and processing, while striving to achieve its full-year growth target of more than 13%.
Ha Long Bay – A magnet for international visitors to Quang Ninh City.
Alongside economic growth, Quang Ninh City continues to develop tourism while preserving and promoting its cultural heritage and traditional values, safeguarding the distinctive identity of the Mining Region. Ha Long Bay and the Yen Tu scenic and historical complex, together with the city’s rich array of historical and cultural sites, coastal landscapes and islands, provide favourable conditions for developing diverse tourism products. These assets help promote the city’s image and create livelihood opportunities for local residents.
Quang Ninh city has given priority to education.
The city is also prioritising investment in education, healthcare and social welfare to improve living standards and narrow development gaps between areas. Support is provided for tuition fees, textbooks, school meals and healthcare, particularly in mountainous, border and island areas. Nearly VND800 billion is allocated annually to targeted education support policies, including nearly VND62 billion for textbook assistance. The city also continues to support people who have rendered meritorious service to the nation and disadvantaged groups, while promoting job creation and sustainable poverty reduction. These efforts are helping improve residents’ quality of life across the city.
As it enters a new phase of development as a city, Quang Ninh faces the task of further transforming its growth model, making more effective use of its potential and advantages, and advancing a green and digital economy while preserving its cultural heritage and ensuring social progress and equity. The Mining Region’s tradition of “Discipline and Unity” remains a powerful source of strength, inspiring the Party organisation, authorities, business community and local people to work together to build a modern, prosperous and sustainable Quang Ninh, worthy of its standing and the aspirations of its people.
By Bao Binh
