Bac Ninh’s Quan ho folk singing takes the global cultural stage
WVR - Since being recognized by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, Quan ho folk singing of Bac Ninh has grown in both domestic and international influence.
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| Bac Ninh’s Quan ho folk singing takes the global cultural stage:A delegation of officials, artists, and performers from Bac Ninh Province promoted the Quan ho folk singing heritage in France in June 2024. (Source: Bac Ninh Newspaper) |
A new vitality, a new value
Mention Bac Ninh, and Quan ho folk singing inevitably comes to mind—this unique cultural treasure is a distinctive asset in the province’s efforts to build its brand and develop tourism. The recognition of Bac Ninh’s Quan ho by UNESCO on September 30, 2009, as an intangible cultural heritage has given a major boost to this remarkable tourism product.
Following its inscription, Bac Ninh successfully organized a series of “Returning to the Land of Quan ho” festivals. Traditional festivals in original Quan ho villages—such as the Diem and Lim festivals—have received increased attention, fostering a civilized and wholesome cultural environment. These events have become cultural rendezvous points, drawing thousands of visitors to celebrate and experience this heritage.
Efforts to promote Quan ho have been diverse and innovative. Since August 2017, the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism has organized multiple Quan ho boat-singing performances on the Nguyen Phi Y Lan and Vua Ba lakes. Each show centers on a different theme tied to local cultural events, offering interaction between the audience, tourists, and Quan ho performers—including artists, craftsmen, and traditional singers from original Quan ho villages.
In recent years, Bac Ninh’s “Returning to the Land of Quan ho” tourism brand has begun to establish a firm place on Vietnam’s tourism map. However, experts note that if Quan ho folk singing is to become a signature, standout tourism product that appeals to modern audiences and aligns with the current tourism market, efforts must go beyond mere preservation and celebration. It must be elevated and its distinctive cultural value effectively leveraged.
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| Bac Ninh’s Quan ho folk singing takes the global cultural stage: Quan ho singing on boats performed for visitors at the Lim Festival. (Photo: Thanh Tung) |
Bac Ninh is actively focusing on developing new, highly distinctive tourism products that offer visitors richer, more immersive experiences. A central element of this strategy is the continued exploration and promotion of Quan ho folk singing as a cultural heritage asset. Key initiatives include the development of a comprehensive master plan for preserving original *Quan họ* villages, the recreation of traditional Quan ho cultural spaces, and the integration of this heritage into community-based tourism. These efforts follow a harmonious development approach that balances cultural preservation with socio-economic growth.
Thanks to its unique and captivating cultural value, Quan ho folk singing is gradually becoming a “magnet” for tourists, helping Bac Ninh build a competitive edge in the tourism sector. The province's goal in the coming period is to elevate Quan ho into a distinctive tourism product through robust tourism promotion campaigns, attracting both domestic and international travelers.
Taking Quan ho folk singing beyond borders
Over the years, Quan ho folk singing has been preserved and nurtured by local villages and communities. Especially in Bac Ninh, it has been passed down through generations, becoming a symbol of local identity and evolving into a unique cultural space. Historical and cultural relics, along with traditional festivals tied to Quan ho practices, have also been officially recognized and protected by the government.
With its globally recognized cultural value, the Quan ho folk singing heritage has truly become a powerful attraction for both domestic and international tourists. The enduring vitality and timeless charm of Quan ho duets continue to captivate visitors and leave a lasting impression.
Bac Ninh Province has issued timely and effective policies to safeguard Quan ho folk singing. In line with its commitments to UNESCO, over the past 16 years, the province has continuously made efforts to preserve and promote the value of this heritage through various tailored mechanisms and policies.
Assessing the province’s efforts in preserving Quan ho, Mr. Nguyen Xuan Trung, Deputy Director of the Bac Ninh Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism, affirmed that the province has introduced many practical, timely, and impactful policies that have truly taken root in everyday life.
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| Bac Ninh’s Quan ho folk singing takes the global cultural stage: Quan ho singing in Lim Town (Tien Du District, Bac Ninh Province). (Photo: Thanh Tung) |
Bac Ninh is a national pioneer in establishing mechanisms to honour and reward cultural heritage artisans. These initiatives have helped motivate artists to continue nurturing their passion and dedication, contributing their talents to the conservation and promotion of Quan ho’s cultural value.
In addition, the province has allocated significant funding to support the construction of cultural facilities and the provision of equipment for the preservation and promotion of Quan ho. Publicity and promotion efforts have been strengthened across various media platforms and featured in major political, cultural, and diplomatic events both locally and internationally. Notable initiatives include the “Returning to the Land of Quan ho” Festival, cultural exchange programs with other UNESCO-recognized heritages in Vietnam, and Quan ho boat-singing performances. These collective efforts have played an important role in preserving and enhancing the value of Quan ho folk singing while effectively promoting Bac Ninh’s traditional culture to audiences at home and abroad.
With its status as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, Quan ho is a rich resource for creative transformation into unique, identity-rich cultural products. Bac Ninh Province has recognized that promoting and economically leveraging the potential of Quan ho folk singing in today’s globalized world is not just a desirable endeavour—but a necessary one.
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| Bac Ninh’s Quan ho folk singing takes the global cultural stage: Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh and Chinese Premier Li Qiang enjoy a Quan ho folk singing performance from Bac Ninh. (Photo: VGP/Nhat Bac) |
A particularly meaningful moment came in October 2024, when Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh and Chinese Premier Li Qiang together enjoyed a Quan ho performance in the Hanoi. The event captured the admiration of both domestic and international audiences. The sweet melodies, refined lyrics steeped in philosophy, and the graceful, distinctive costumes—found nowhere else—together affirmed the deep cultural identity of Vietnam.
It can be said that Quan ho folk singing of Bac Ninh is gaining increasing influence both domestically and internationally. Quan họ has emerged as one of the most representative symbols of Vietnamese culture in political events, cultural diplomacy activities, official state receptions, and meetings or exchanges with foreign leaders.
Since 2009, the Bac Ninh Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism has coordinated nearly 1,600 Quan ho performances to serve local communities and introduce the heritage to both national and international audiences. Specifically for overseas promotion, Bac Ninh has sent 15 delegations of officials, artists, and performers to showcase Quan ho in various countries including France, Germany, the Czech Republic, Australia, New Zealand, Dubai, Japan, India, Republic of Korea, and China. These performances and cultural exchanges have left a profound impression on overseas Vietnamese communities and were warmly received by international audiences.
As an intangible cultural heritage, Quan ho plays an important role in driving sustainable development for nations. Integrating this heritage into diplomatic activities reflects a deep awareness and strategic vision of cultural tradition at the local, national, and international levels. It contributes to strengthening cultural dialogue, promoting respect for diversity, fostering community cohesion, and advancing peace and mutual understanding among nations and peoples.
Sixteen years after its inscription by UNESCO, the Quan ho heritage of Bac Ninh has been comprehensively safeguarded against the erosion of time and space. More than that, Quan ho has taken on a renewed vitality and modern presence, resonating with the pulse of the times—and extending its reach ever farther into the world.
