Hữu Liên community-based eco-tourism village is an ideal destination for tourists. — Photo toquoc.vn

Lâm Giang

The Hữu Liên community-based eco-tourism village is an ideal destination for tourists when the COVID-19 pandemic is under control because of its beautiful pristine scenery.

About 120km northeast of Hà Nội, Hữu Liên Village is located in Hữu Liên Commune, Hữu Lũng District, Lạng Sơn Province.

The spot is surrounded by a wonderful landscape. The craggy limestone mountains, mysterious caves, underground streams and clear lakes create a unique ecosystem, making visitors feel like they are in harmony with heaven and earth, with wild and natural scenery.

Autumn is also the best time to visit Hữu Liên Village, when nature boasts its most charming appearance.

The entire commune is located in the 8.9ha Hữu Liên National Forest Reserve, which has two primary forests and an extremely diverse and rich ecosystem with 776 species of plants and 409 species of animals, of which about rare 30 species of plants and 61 species of animals have been listed in the Red Book.

Hữu Liên Forest is likened to the green lung of the northeast region thanks to its rich and diverse ecosystem, magnificent cave systems, underground streams and emerald lakes.

In addition to Hữu Liên National Forest Reserve, about 3km north of the Hữu Liên Commune People's Committee, Đồng Lâm Steppe is an ecological area of around 100ha. It is surrounded by limestone mountains and adorned with streams that flow to Lake Đồng Lâm.

In the dry season, Lake Đồng Lâm dries up. In the rainy season, the steppe becomes more beautiful than ever, when the water rises to form small winding rivers. The water here has a jade green colour, creating a charming landscape. At this time, visitors can experience kayaking or rowing around the lake.

The Đồng Lâm Steppe is very spacious. Along with the cool autumn weather, tourists often choose this place to organise outdoor activities like camping. Tents and colourful kites are also indispensable for travel to Hữu Liên. This area is suitable for both adults and children to fly kites together. With family groups, these can be memorable experiences.

With the strength of natural landscapes such as caves, rocky mountains, waterfalls, grasslands, forests. and cultural values, Hữu Liên community-based eco-tourism village has all favourable conditions for developing tourism. — Photo toquoc.vn

The Đồng Lâm Steppe and herds of horses have become a special attraction for tourists and photographers.

At the end of the steppe there is a small lake, visitors can go by raft around the lake to see the scenery and soak in the beauty of nature.

"I had the chance to discover Hữu Liên community-based eco-tourism village. It was wonderful. I love the immense steppe here with the blue lake, delicious food and new experiences.

"This destination is not too far from Hà Nội, the road is easy for travel. In our group, there are many people with different ages but everyone feels happy and comfortable. There is almost no sign of urbanisation in this area.

"The people here are gentle, friendly and hospitable. Early in the morning at the homestay, hearing the rooster crowing, going out to breathe in the fresh air by the stilt house and kitchen smoke makes me very excited," said Hanoian visitor Nguyễn Phương Dung.

Đồng Lâm Steppe with immense green grasslands and turquoise streams winding through. — Photo toquoc.vn

Learning about culture and cuisine

The prominent feature among the rice fields in Hữu Liên Village is the houses on stilts halfway between the mountains and clouds of the old forests.

The commune has a total area of more than 6,000ha and is home to more than 3,000 people, including ethnic Tày, Nùng, Dao and Mông people.

In the rice season, the landscape here is even more beautiful. Visitors can see the image of people harvesting in the field, smell the fragrant rice mixed with the smoke of burnt straw.

Mid-September and early October every year is also the persimmon season. On the way to Lake Nong Dùng which is not far from Đồng Lâm Steppe, there are persimmon gardens right on the left. If you go at the right time, you can easily pick persimmons and buy them in the gardens.

After experiencing and enjoying the beautiful scenery, you should return to your homestay to enjoy local culinary specialties such as grilled chicken, grilled pork with mắc mật (clausena indica) leaves, grilled stream fish, boiled mountain snails and pumpkin cake. If you want, you can also order food to cook in the steppe or lakeside, the homestay will prepare and bring it to you.

The Hữu Liên Village now has six homestay facilities to welcome visitors.

Vi Văn Tuyến, the owner of Ngọc Bích Homestay, said that Hữu Liên villagers have received a lot of support and training from local authorities towards developing community-based tourism.

It’s perfect for camping in Hữu Liên community-based eco-tourism village. — Photo truyenhinhdulich.vn

In addition, Hữu Liên has many other attractions, depending on the season and weather conditions. About 10km from the commune, tourists can visit the field of buckwheat flowers, Khe Dầu Waterfall and Xuong Pong Cave.

Hữu Liên is also a place to keep the ethnic customs, traditions and culture alive, like the intangible heritage such as Gò Chùa festival, Pá Xoan singing, Then singing or ancient chèo (popular opera) performance.

Hữu Liên is expected to be an attractive destination for tourists because of its unspoiled, beautiful nature and intact indigenous culture. VNS