Various annual spring festivals have opened in the northern province of Quang Ninh in response to the National Tourism Year 2018 - Halong - Quang Ninh.

A palanquin procession at the Yen Tu festival in Quang Ninh province

Ngoa Van spring festival in Dong Trieu township, which started on February 24 (the ninth day of the lunar year), drew 25,000 visitors on its first three days.

Other festivals that attracted many visitors include Uong Bi city’s Ba Vang temple and Yen Tu festivals, Van Ninh festival in Mong Cai city, Luc Na festival in Binh Lieu district and Ha Long city’s Loi Am temple festival.

Local authorities have paid heed to restoring relics, notably in the Yen Tu relic site in Uong Bi.

This year, Uong Bi city has worked to ensure social order and traffic safety and prevent fire and explosion. Kiosks will be arranged to introduce tourism products and services to visitors.

In preparation for the festival, investments have been made in infrastructure in the Yen Tu spiritual tourism site, including the upgrade of the road to Yen Tu relic site and the construction of a new cable car system to prevent traffic congestion.

The relic’s managing board has also worked to complete the first phase of the Yen Tu festival tourism services centre, which features Truc Lam palace, a Zen garden, a pilgrimage village and the King monk Tran Nhan Tong museum.

Quang Ninh also stepped up monitoring and management in the festivals to ensure safety for visitors.

In 2018, a series of festivals will be held in 14 localities of Quang Ninh.

The province, home to the World Heritage site of Ha Long Bay, is the host of the National Tourism Year 2018 themed “Ha Long-Heritage, Wonder, Friendly Destination”. It is projected to host at least 51 cultural, sports and tourism events throughout the year.

Highlights include the opening ceremony and Carnaval Ha Long 2018 in Ha Long city, which is scheduled for April 28. - VNA