QUẢNG NINH — The annual Culture and Sports Week for ethnic groups, a platform for connecting different ethnic communities in the region, kicked off on Thursday in Tiên Yên District, Quảng Ninh Province.

“This is an opportunity for the province to promote its image, people, landscapes and the unique cultural characteristics of its different ethnic groups to both Vietnamese and foreigners,” said Trương Công Ngàn, chairman of Tiên Yên District People’s Committee.

The culture week, which will go on till August 7, will feature a wide range of events such as a folk and music festival, traditional costume show, modern dance and sports dance performances as well as traditional folk sports competitions.

The festival will also include an exhibition showcasing the paintings, logos and photographs of Quảng Ninh and a booth introducing tourist destinations in Tiên Yên. A workshop will be held on conserving heritage by creating a cultural tourism product.

On this occasion, Quảng Ninh has also launched a Culture and Sports Centre for its ethnic groups. The VNĐ200 billion (US$8.8 million) centre, where most of the Culture Week events are being held, can accommodate over 1,000 seats.

A special pedestrian street is being organised with live street music and booths selling local specialties to “awaken the ancient town of Tiên Yên District”, which was once the region’s cultural and economic hub.

Tiên Yên is often referred to as the second Hội An because of its numerous French- and Chinese-style architectural structures built in the early 20th century. The town also maintains old houses built in traditional Vietnamese style, including Linh Quan house, which was constructed 150 years ago. — VNS