BẮC KẠN — The Ba Bể - Bắc Kạn Tourism Week 2017 kicked off on Saturday at Ba Bể Lake in the northern province of Bắc Kạn, opening a series of cultural events that aim to strengthen tourism cooperation between the six participating provinces of Bắc Kạn, Cao Bằng, Lạng Sơn, Thái Nguyên, Tuyên Quang and Hà Giang.

The week’s events introduce and promote the historical and cultural relics, the landscape, people, food and culture of the northern mountainous provinces.

Speaking at the launching ceremony held on Saturday, Deputy Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism, Đặng Thị Bích Liên said, “The northern provinces of Việt Nam have several historical and cultural relics along with the spectacular landscape and unique cultural identity. They are attracting an increasing number of both domestic and international tourists. However, the result has not yet reached its full potential.

“The Ba Bể-Bắc Kạn Tourism Week this year is important for the northern mountainous provinces in strengthening cooperation in tourism, promoting and attracting investment for tourism and the preservation of historical and cultural relics. The plan is to develop tourism into a spearhead of the local economy,” Liên added.

More than a thousand artists from the participant provinces joined the performances at the opening event. Acts included singing, dancing and đàn tính (the traditional gourd lute of the Tày ethnic people) performances.

The event, which lasts till Tuesday, features traditional musical performances, a traditional costume show, food fair, folk and sports games, flower garlands and a photo exhibition featuring the landscape and people of the northern mountainous provinces. Festival-goers can also join a boat tour around the scenic Ba Bể Lake.

Ba Bể National Park is a highlight of Bắc Kạn’s tourist destinations. About 70 kilometres from Bắc Kạn centre, Ba Bể covers more than 23,000 ha and is home to more than 1,000 species of flora and fauna, a series of caves and a gigantic fresh water lake, which was recognised as the country’s third Ramsar Site, an indication of its international significance, by UNESCO in 2011.

Ba Bể Lake is located 145 metres above sea level and is said to have formed more than 200 million years ago. — VNS