QUẢNG NINH — Yên Tử Ward in the northern coastal city of Quảng Ninh served around 2.2 million visitors during the first 10 months of 2026, up 33.8 per cent year on year, thanks to efforts to promote its World Heritage values and diversify tourism offerings.

According to the ward People's Committee, the figure represented 95.6 per cent of the annual target. International arrivals exceeded 30,900 while overnight visitors numbered almost 326,000. Tourism revenue was estimated at more than VNĐ4.4 trillion (over US$171 million).

The Yên Tử relics form part of the Yên Tử–Vĩnh Nghiêm–Côn Sơn, Kiếp Bạc Complex of Monuments and Landscapes, which was officially inscribed on UNESCO's World Heritage List in 2025. The recognition has further enhanced local appeal to domestic and international visitors.

The ward has introduced a range of tourism products highlighting its cultural, historical and spiritual values.

Alongside promoting the heritage site, Yên Tử has organised cultural, sporting and tourism events, including the Yên Tử – Meditative Autumn Colours festival, the Yên Tử Heritage Marathon tournament, the cycling race “Journey to the Heritage Land” and the Sunrise atop Đồng (Bronze) Pagoda programme.

These activities have diversified tourism offerings while helping promote the ideology and cultural legacy of King-Monk Trần Nhân Tông and the Trúc Lâm Zen sect in contemporary life.

Overnight mountain climbing has also become increasingly popular among young people from across Việt Nam. Visitors often begin their ascent between 1am and 2am to reach Yên Tử's summit in time for sunrise.

Nguyễn Thanh Tùng, Secretary of the Yên Tử ward Party Committee, said Tùng Lâm Development JSC will offer free cable car tickets to visitors on Việt Nam Culture Day (November 24). In mid-November, Yên Tử will also hold a competition to find the best tour guide introducing the heritage site.

Local authorities will continue addressing difficulties related to planning and infrastructure while accelerating digital transformation and administrative reform, aiming to welcome more than 2.3 million visitors this year and gradually develop Yên Tử into a green heritage urban area with distinctive cultural identity and sustainable growth.

Over the last 10 months, Quảng Ninh welcomed more than 20.3 million visitors, up 10 per cent from the same period last year, with tourism revenue reaching over VNĐ61.32 trillion. The city targets more than 23.5 million visitors this year, including 6 million international arrivals. — VNA/VNS