Huu Lien (Lang Son): Developing sustainable tourism linked to community and cultural identity.

Thanks to its unique limestone landscape, vast protected forest, and diverse culture of 11 ethnic groups, Huu Lien commune (Lang Son province) is transforming tourism into a key economic sector. Focusing on developing internationally standardized homestays and preserving cultural heritage has helped the locality increase income and improve the lives of its people.

The highlight of Huu Lien is its magnificent natural landscape. The limestone mountain terrain has created valleys that are flooded seasonally, transforming into lush green meadows in the dry season (a prime example being Dong Lam) – a rare setting for developing ecotourism , camping, and photography. In addition, the Huu Lien Special Forest Area, covering over 8,012 hectares with its rich flora and fauna, serves as an important "green lung," providing an ideal environment for experiential tourism.

Thanks to its unique limestone landscape, vast protected forest area, and diverse culture of 11 ethnic groups, Huu Lien commune (Lang Son province) is transforming tourism into a key economic sector.

Huu Lien has been recognized with 4 main tourist attractions and is located within the UNESCO Lang Son Global Geopark. In particular, adventure sports tourism, especially mountain climbing, is thriving, attracting over 25,000 international and domestic visitors annually and contributing an estimated revenue of over 10 billion VND.

The core attraction of Huu Lien lies in the rich cultural identity of its ethnic minorities, skillfully exploited through a community-based tourism model.

Visitors here can enjoy traditional specialties of the Tay and Nung ethnic groups.

Currently, the commune has 36 homestay businesses, including a community tourism village that meets ASEAN standards. These homestays not only provide comfortable accommodation but also preserve and promote the traditional stilt house architecture of the Tay and Nung people. Tourists staying here will have the opportunity to experience the authentic local lifestyle, from the living space to the cuisine.

Huu Lien focuses on creating opportunities for tourists to deeply participate in unique cultural experiences and preserve the identity of ethnic minorities. Visitors not only come here to sightsee but also have the chance to personally prepare traditional specialties of the Tay and Nung people, such as making black sticky rice cakes and steamed pork rolls, in addition to enjoying other famous dishes such as Khau Nhuc, Na Dai, and herbal rice wine...

Huu Lien focuses on creating opportunities for tourists to deeply participate in unique cultural experiences and preserve the identity of ethnic minorities.

Folk cultural activities are also preserved and showcased, notably the Páo Dung singing style of the Dao ethnic group, along with Then singing with Tinh lute and traditional opera. Tourists are encouraged to participate in cultural exchanges and directly experience local culture. In particular, the Trò Ngô Làng Giàng Festival – a National Intangible Cultural Heritage (2017) – is an opportunity for visitors to gain a deeper understanding of ancient beliefs and customs.

The effective exploitation of tourism potential linked to culture and community has yielded positive results. During the period 2020-2025, Huu Lien welcomed over 186,249 visitors, generating revenue exceeding 52.11 billion VND, significantly contributing to improving the living standards of local people.

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With the goal of developing tourism into a leading economic sector, Huu Lien commune aims to attract 210,000 tourists by 2030, generating revenue of 67.2 billion VND.

The locality is committed to mobilizing resources and attracting businesses to invest in infrastructure development, while also promoting and applying information technology. Most importantly, Huu Lien is steadfast in developing tourism in conjunction with protecting the natural environment and preserving cultural heritage, ensuring sustainable development, maintaining identity, and bringing long-term benefits to the community.

Source: https://bvhttdl.gov.vn/huu-lien-lang-son-phat-develop-sustainable-tourism-close-to-the-community-and-cultural-identity-20251118164942808.htm