"Awakening" the value of heritage

Quang Ninh is a land rich in unique heritage sites, most notably the Yen Tu spiritual site and the world natural wonder Ha Long Bay. In recent years, the province has focused on preserving and promoting the value of its heritage, mobilizing social resources to invest in and develop tourism and cultural products. As a result, heritage values ​​are not only preserved but also "awakened," becoming an important driving force for the development of tourism and the cultural industry of the locality.

An Indian film crew is shooting scenes on the heritage site of Ha Long Bay.
Photo: Thanh Hai

Over the years, the Yen Tu historical and scenic site has consistently received priority from the province, with significant resources invested in its systematic and in-depth conservation, restoration, and promotion of heritage values. Simultaneously, the province has facilitated the attraction of businesses to partner with, exploit, and develop the heritage in a sustainable manner. Accordingly, Tung Lam Development Joint Stock Company has invested in the Truc Lam Cultural Center with dozens of facilities, creating a unique space for recreation, cultural experiences, and tourism that respects the natural, cultural, and historical values ​​of this Buddhist land. This comprehensive investment and sound direction have contributed to elevating the value of Yen Tu, bringing the Yen Tu - Vinh Nghiem - Con Son - Kiet Bac complex of historical and scenic sites closer to UNESCO's recognition as a World Heritage site.

Mr. Le Trong Thanh, Deputy General Director of Tung Lam Development Joint Stock Company, affirmed: Yen Tu becoming a World Cultural Heritage site marks an important milestone in the journey of preserving and promoting the value of heritage and sets out the mission of integrating Yen Tu more deeply with the world. In the future, the company will continue to exploit historical and cultural elements by developing and introducing the Tran Nhan Tong Buddhist Emperor Museum to locals and tourists. Besides that, we will also proactively apply digital technology , digitize heritage; improve and upgrade tourism products, accommodation systems, services, and offer meditation retreats and health care experiences… to meet the increasingly diverse needs of domestic and international tourists.

Beyond Yen Tu, Quang Ninh province also affirms its position on the global heritage map with the World Natural Heritage site of Ha Long Bay, a site honored three times by UNESCO. With thousands of magnificent limestone islands and a unique ecosystem, Ha Long Bay has long been an attractive destination for domestic and international tourists. To better promote the value of this heritage site, the province has encouraged and supported businesses to invest in infrastructure serving tourism development in the bay, thereby forming a synchronized, modern, and increasingly professional service system.

Along with improving the quality of traditional tourism products such as cave exploration, mountain climbing, swimming, kayaking, and overnight stays on the bay, the heritage site also serves as a foundation for the development of other creative economic sectors. Many international films, music videos, and reality shows have chosen Ha Long Bay as a filming location. Vietnamese artists and designers have also drawn inspiration from the images of the mountains and waves to create fashion and art collections. Through this, the aesthetic value of Ha Long continues to be amplified and spread in contemporary cultural fields.

An exhibition space showcasing valuable archaeological artifacts at Yen Tu.

Furthermore, Quang Ninh also focuses on expanding tourism space to reduce pressure on the core heritage area and increase the length of stay for tourists. Tourism development plans and projects have clearly outlined the connection between Ha Long Bay and Bai Tu Long Bay, Van Don, and Co To, while also expanding tourism routes connecting with the Cat Ba archipelago. Diversifying tour routes and developing distinctive regional tourism products not only helps to distribute tourists rationally but also contributes to promoting regional linkages in tourism and cultural industry development.

These efforts have yielded positive results. In 2025, the total number of tourists visiting Quang Ninh is estimated to reach over 21.28 million, an increase of 12% compared to the previous year, including approximately 4.5 million international tourists. Total spending from tourism is expected to exceed 57,000 billion VND, contributing about 9.26% to the province's GRDP. In the first two months of 2026 alone, Quang Ninh witnessed a tourism boom with over 4.1 million visitors, an increase of 11.4% compared to the same period in 2025.

The combination of heritage preservation and rational exploitation is opening up an effective path for the development of the cultural industry in Quang Ninh. When heritage is systematically invested in, combined with the participation of businesses and creative economic sectors, traditional values ​​are not only preserved but also become important resources to promote tourism, the economy, and the local image. This also forms the foundation for Quang Ninh to continue developing its heritage potential, aiming for sustainable cultural industry development.

Source: https://baoquangninh.vn/danh-thuc-gia-tri-di-san-3399546.html