Where "heritage becomes an asset"

The creation of the "Sa Pa – A Gathering of Quintessence" cultural space is a heartfelt solution, marking a turning point in elevating the value of ethnic identity.

Sa Pa attracts tourists not only with its majestic natural scenery and fresh, cool climate but also with the invaluable cultural treasure of its diverse ethnic communities. In the context of a rapidly transforming local tourism industry, preserving culture alongside sustainable economic development has become a strategic challenge. The creation of the "Sa Pa – A Gathering of Cultural Essence" cultural space is a heartfelt solution, marking a turning point in elevating the value of ethnic identity.

In recent days, Ms. Nong Thi Ly from Ta Van commune, Lao Cai province, has been diligently working at the "Sa Pa - Quintessence of Culture" cultural space, making traditional incense sticks of the Giay ethnic group. Whenever tourists visit her booth, she introduces them to the ingredients and the process of making these traditional incense sticks. Through this, visitors can learn more about the beauty of daily life and the traditional crafts of the Giay ethnic group.

A unique feature of the "Sa Pa - Quintessence of Culture" cultural space is its model of a first-ever public-private partnership (PPP) in the cultural and tourism sector in Sa Pa ward. This is the result of collaboration between the local government, public service units, and the business community and cooperatives.

Mr. Pham Tien Dung, Vice Chairman of the People's Committee of Sa Pa Ward, affirmed: This cultural space is a new, distinctive tourism product aimed at preserving and promoting the cultural heritage of ethnic groups... contributing to stimulating tourism, promoting local socio-economic development, and creating additional livelihoods for the people.

Numerous tourists visited the cultural space "Sa Pa - The Quintessence of Culture".

Socializing cultural activities helps to unlock resources, bringing heritage from museums or remote villages into real life in a more vibrant and sustainable way.

Stepping into the "Sa Pa - A Gathering of Quintessence" cultural space, visitors feel as if they have entered a "miniature Sa Pa" with the presence of five main ethnic minority groups: Hmong, Dao, Tay, Giay, and Xa Pho. Each house, each object tells a unique story about the worldview and the adaptation of people to nature.

Visiting the "Sa Pa - A Gathering of Cultural Quintessence" cultural space, tourists will have the opportunity to experience firsthand the daily lives of the ethnic minority communities.

Visitors are delighted with the area recreating the traditional Tay weaving craft in the "Sa Pa - The Quintessence of Culture" cultural space.

Ms. Trinh Thu Hang, a tourist from Thai Nguyen province, said: "Visiting the 'Sa Pa - Quintessence of Culture' cultural space, I was extremely impressed with the unique traditional cultural features of the ethnic groups here. Most impressive were the three-compartment wooden houses, inside which artisans were spinning flax, weaving cloth, or demonstrating the exquisite technique of beeswax painting on linen, all while the sounds of the Tinh lute and Then folk songs echoed nearby..."

In 2025, Sa Pa welcomed over 4.3 million visitors, generating impressive revenue. The target of 12.2 million visitors by 2030 is not just about numbers, but about the quality of the experience.

Unique cultural performances by ethnic minority groups are presented at the "Sa Pa - The Quintessence of Culture" cultural space to entertain tourists.

Mr. Pham Tien Dung, Vice Chairman of the People's Committee of Sa Pa Ward, further affirmed: Culture is a "highly sustainable product" to be exploited. Promoting the culinary values, lifestyle, and even the spiritual culture of the local people is the key to building Sa Pa into a green, distinctive, and internationally-renowned tourist city.

The cultural space "Sa Pa - The Quintessence of Culture" is not just a destination, but also a commitment: a commitment from the government to preserve cultural identity; a commitment from businesses to partner with the community; and a commitment from the ethnic people to be proud of and promote the value of their cultural identity.

Amidst the misty clouds, the sounds of the Hmong flute and the Tinh lute still resonate, blending with the rich aroma of herbs. This is the soul of Sa Pa – a soul being nurtured to shine brighter than ever on the tourism map of Vietnam and the world.

Source: https://baolaocai.vn/noi-di-san-thanh-tai-san-post890537.html