Yen Bai awakens the quintessence, prolongs the heritage

The cultural heritage picture of Western Yen Bai is known for its diverse colors, from the golden terraced fields in Mu Cang Chai to the sound of the Mong people's panpipes echoing from a remote village or the graceful Thai xoe dances in Muong Lo - Nghia Lo. Conservation efforts in recent times have not only contributed to preserving and promoting the cultural identity of ethnic groups but also created a source of sustainable development for the localities here.

>> Yen Bai unleashes the attraction of heritage tourism

>> Western town promotes identity, develops tourism

>> Yen Bai is proud of being the place where the quintessence of heritage converges.

>> The Xen Dong Festival of the Thai people in Nghia Lo is recognized as a national intangible cultural heritage.

>> Western Yen Bai tourism strives to recover and grow

>> Rich "specialties" of tourism in Western Yen Bai

>> Convergence of heritage essence

Western Yen Bai includes Mu Cang Chai, Tram Tau, Van Chan districts and Nghia Lo town - a convergence of many ethnic groups with unique cultural features. According to the latest data, the whole province currently has 142 historical - cultural relics ranked at all levels (1 special national relic, 12 national relics, 129 provincial relics) and 510 intangible cultural heritages of ethnic minorities. In particular, Mu Cang Chai district is proud of the special national landscape of terraced fields and the national relic where the Khau Pha Guerrilla Team was established.

In particular, the district has three national intangible cultural heritages: New Rice Celebration of the Mong people, the art of performing the Mong panpipes and the art of using beeswax to create patterns on fabric. Tram Tau district has the provincial relic Ke Khau Ly and three national intangible cultural heritages: Gau Tao Festival, the art of the Mong people's panpipes and the art of using beeswax to create patterns on fabric. Van Chan district owns 13 historical and cultural relics.

Among them, there is 1 national relic of Lung Lo Pass and 12 provincial relics such as Dai Lich Fort, Chan Thinh communal house - temple - pagoda, along with 2 national intangible cultural heritages: The art of Khen of the Mong people and the art of using beeswax to create patterns on fabric. In particular, Nghia Lo town - the cultural center of Western Yen Bai - has 5 historical - cultural relics (2 national relics, 3 provincial relics) and is the place to preserve the Thai Xoe Art which was recognized by UNESCO as a representative intangible cultural heritage of humanity in 2021, along with 2 other national intangible cultural heritages: Han Khuong Festival and Xen Dong Festival (forest worship) of the Thai people.

In recent times, the work of preserving, maintaining and promoting cultural identity, especially national cultural heritage, has received special attention from authorities at all levels in the Western region. In Mu Cang Chai, heritage conservation work is being implemented in a methodical and systematic manner. Accordingly, the district has made efforts to preserve the original state of the core area of terraced fields and expand the area in suitable places.

In parallel, the district has organized classes to teach traditional crafts such as making panpipes, weaving brocade, and beeswax painting to ensure that these valuable skills are not lost over time. In particular, the district has included panpipe dances, scarf dances, and Sinh Tien stick dances of the Mong people in extracurricular activities and mid-day physical education classes at schools.

Currently, the district is maintaining 110 art troupes in villages and residential areas and annually organizing cultural and artistic events imbued with national identity. This is a way for the younger generation to understand and be proud of their culture. "Mu Cang Chai terraced fields are not only an agricultural project but also an artistic masterpiece, a key tourism product of the district. Every year, we welcome tens of thousands of visitors to visit and experience, contributing significantly to improving the economic life of local people" - Mr. Trinh The Binh - Head of the district's Department of Culture and Information said.

In Nghia Lo town, the preservation of cultural heritage, especially Thai Xoe Art, has received special attention after being honored by UNESCO. Immediately after the honoring ceremony, the town developed a plan to preserve and promote the heritage value comprehensively. Classes to teach ancient Thai script, Xoe dance, and making Khen Be are held regularly. In particular, Thai Xoe Art has been included in the curriculum of schools.

Mr. Luong Manh Ha - Vice Chairman of the Town People's Committee affirmed: "After Xoe Thai was recognized by UNESCO, the number of tourists to Nghia Lo increased significantly. We are developing cultural tourism products associated with Xoe Thai, Han Khuong Festival and Xen Dong Festival. Many households have developed community tourism models, both preserving culture and increasing income. The important thing is that cultural heritage has helped people become more aware of the value of national identity, thereby being proud and actively participating in conservation work. This is a solid foundation for the sustainable development of Nghia Lo town in particular and Western Yen Bai in general".

Cultural heritage conservation has brought practical results in tourism development in Yen Bai. In February 2025 alone, total revenue from accommodation, food and beverage and travel services reached 311 billion VND, up 45.12% over the same period last year, contributing to raising total revenue in the first two months of the year to 620.4 billion VND, up 55.2%.

Notably, the number of tourists on tours increased 3.7 times, while the number of days on tours increased 4.1 times, reflecting the strong increase in demand for group exploration. Cultural heritages recognized at national and international levels have become attractive destinations, attracting a large number of domestic and foreign tourists.

Despite many achievements, the work of preserving cultural heritage in the western districts of Yen Bai still faces many challenges: difficult socio-economic conditions make it difficult to invest adequate resources in the work of protecting and promoting heritage values; there is a lack of experts with deep understanding of local cultural heritage, while elderly artisans are gradually passing away; rapid tourism development creates a conflict between preserving the original state and development needs, with the risk of over-commercializing cultural values...

It can be said that the work of preserving cultural heritage in the western districts of Yen Bai is on the right track, with a harmonious combination of traditional preservation and modern development. The unique cultural values of this land are not only the pride of the community but also a valuable resource for future development. With the achievements and valuable lessons learned, the work of preserving cultural heritage in the western districts of Yen Bai is being oriented to become more systematic and professional.

Hung Cuong

Source: https://baoyenbai.com.vn/16/348420/Yen-Bai-khoi-day-tinh-hoa-noi-dai-di-san.aspx