In the days leading up to the Lunar New Year of the Year of the Horse, the atmosphere in Binh Khe Ward, Quang Ninh Province, becomes more vibrant than ever as the Yen Tu Yellow Apricot Fair officially opens. The event draws large crowds of visitors, bonsai enthusiasts, and collectors from across the country.

From the very entrance, the dazzling golden hue of the apricot trees captivates onlookers. These ancient bonsai, with rugged trunks and wide canopies bursting with delicate blossoms, stand proudly like living sculptures.

Each tree is a labor of love-shaped, nurtured, and refined over decades. Some are several decades old, crafted in traditional styles such as truc (upright), hoanh (horizontal), huyen (hanging), or thac do (waterfall), while others showcase innovative, personalized designs that reveal the artistic spirit of their creators.

The centerpiece of the fair is “Thien Phuc Yen Tu,” an extraordinary apricot tree displayed prominently in the garden of Hoang Lam Nursery. With a gracefully twisted trunk, a large gnarled root, and a perfectly balanced round canopy laden with buds, it has been priced at more than VND1 billion (approximately US$41,000).

According to the nursery’s representative, the tree has undergone years of careful cultivation and shaping. “Thien Phuc Yen Tu is not just a decorative plant-it symbolizes peace, fortune, and prosperity,” the representative shared.

“We poured our hearts into every detail, from selecting the original stock to nurturing the roots and forming each branch. Its price reflects both the artistic value and the years of devotion behind it.”

Other trees, ranging from VND300 million (around US$12,300) to over VND1 billion (approximately US$41,000), display naturally exposed roots, smooth flowing trunks, and perfectly balanced forms-qualities that bonsai collectors prize for their beauty and feng shui symbolism.

The Yen Tu apricot, known for its resilience, five-petal golden blooms, and delicate fragrance, thrives in the northern climate. Visitors express deep admiration for these living works of art. Nguyen Trang Van, a resident of Viet Hung Ward, said: “I’ve seen Yen Tu apricot trees before, but never ones so unique and valuable. It’s truly breathtaking.”

Among the glowing gold of countless blossoms, the fair becomes more than a showcase of rare plants-it is a celebration of patience, artistry, and the enduring Vietnamese love for nature. The dedication of the artisans, who spend years shaping each branch and coaxing each bud to perfection, is evident in every tree, each a symbol of prosperity and renewal as Tet draws near.

Pham Cong