Bac Ninh: Integrating into the international community with a cultural "passport".

BAC NINH - The cultural identity of Bac Ninh - Kinh Bac is an invaluable resource with many precious lessons about the process of cultural exchange and adaptation, serving as a bridge of friendship between Bac Ninh and countries and territories around the world. Deeply aware of the position, role, and soft power of culture, Bac Ninh always proactively expands channels to introduce and promote the image of its homeland to international friends through cultural diplomacy activities.

The imprint of cultural diplomacy

In the context of increasingly deep international integration, cultural identity has become a special "passport" that helps identify, differentiate, and affirm the position of each country and region. For Bac Ninh, the Quan Ho folk songs, Cheo, Tuong, and Ca Tru opera, along with the system of historical sites, festivals, and Dong Ho folk paintings, are not only precious heritages that need to be preserved, but also resources that promote creativity, exchange, and cultural connection with the world .

International visitors experience printing Dong Ho folk paintings as part of the "Cultural Quintessence - Colors of Dong Ho" program held in Hanoi .

2025 marks a significant step forward for Bac Ninh in implementing its Cultural Diplomacy Strategy, evident in the scale, frequency, and depth of its impact. From the beginning of the year, cultural exchange and performance programs showcasing heritage have been continuously organized in many countries. Performances of Quan Ho folk songs in Australia, China, and several European countries have contributed to bringing the beauty of Quan Ho cultural heritage closer to the international public. Particularly, at EXPO 2025 and the Vietnam Tourism and Culture Promotion Festival in Kanagawa (Japan), the appearance of artisans and artists from Bac Ninh became a highlight, creating a strong ripple effect and contributing to promoting the image of Vietnam in general and Bac Ninh in particular on the international stage.

A significant milestone in 2025 is that Bac Ninh will have two sites within the Yen Tu - Vinh Nghiem - Con Son - Kiet Bac scenic complex recognized by UNESCO as World Heritage Sites. This presents an important opportunity to develop cultural tourism and elevate the value of Bac Ninh's heritage on the world map. The province is also finalizing its nomination dossier for the Dong Ho folk painting craft to be submitted to UNESCO for consideration in December 2025 in New Delhi (India). In addition, the province is actively coordinating and organizing many international cultural events such as: Indian Film Week; the Japanese culinary culture exhibition "I Love Sushi"; the procession and veneration of Buddha relics at Phuc Son Pagoda… thereby strengthening Bac Ninh's presence in the international cultural network.

The reception of diplomatic delegations and international organizations visiting Bac Ninh for surveys and research has also been carried out professionally, demonstrating the province's respect for foreign affairs. Notable examples include the reception of the Prime Minister's wife and the ASEAN Women's Group at the Do Temple; and the reception of the Indian delegation surveying Buddhist cultural heritage in the province. Furthermore, the receptions and working sessions between provincial leaders and international delegations from Laos, the United States, Poland, Azerbaijan, Pakistan, China, Japan, etc., have gone beyond diplomatic formalities and become substantive cultural dialogues, helping Bac Ninh showcase its potential and strengths, opening up new opportunities for investment and cooperation.

Spreading excellence, fostering cooperation.

In the new context, Bac Ninh is oriented towards dynamic development, becoming a regional center for industry and innovation. Therefore, the number of international tourists and foreigners visiting Bac Ninh is projected to increase significantly. To capitalize on this trend, the province strives to effectively implement the goals of the Cultural Diplomacy Strategy until 2030; promoting and deepening cooperative relations with international agencies and organizations, foreign localities, and traditional and potential partners to enhance the province's image and position.

Artists from the Bac Ninh Quan Ho Folk Song Theatre participated in cultural exchange and promoted their heritage within the framework of a multicultural festival in Australia.

Expand cultural exchanges and actively organize large-scale activities in countries with cooperative relations with the province. Strengthen the promotion of the image of Bac Ninh's land and people through UNESCO-recognized heritage sites; focus on developing the cultural industry, expanding markets for the province's goods, products, and services; increase Bac Ninh's presence at international events in culture, science, education, sports, and tourism... The goal is to build Bac Ninh into an attractive destination for international cultural exchange and promote the development of the local brand.

Mr. Nguyen Trung Khue, Deputy Director of the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism, affirmed: The department always proactively and actively introduces and promotes the image of the land, people, and cultural essence of Bac Ninh province to friends both domestically and internationally. This expands cooperative relationships, contributes to attracting investment, and promotes the socio-economic development of the province, while simultaneously absorbing the best of human culture, enriching and deepening the traditional cultural values ​​of the homeland.

The Department also focuses on advising and promoting cultural diplomacy through exhibitions, art performances abroad; expanding connections with embassies, cultural agencies, and international organizations to invite experts and artists from other countries to exchange ideas in Bac Ninh, and sending delegations of artists and athletes from the province to participate in major events around the world. The overarching goal is to promote the image of the people, heritage, and identity of Bac Ninh - Kinh Bac, contributing to sustainable socio-economic development and enhancing the province's position on the international stage.

Text and photos: Thanh Lam

Source: https://baobacninhtv.vn/bac-ninh-hoi-nhap-quoc-te-bang-ho-chieu-van-hoa-postid432081.bbg