Bac Ninh to become Vietnam’s newest centrally-administered city, highlighted by 240‑billion‑dong Quan Ho theatre

Vietnam’s Politburo has approved the elevation of Bac Ninh province to a centrally‑run city, making it the latest addition to the country’s directly administered municipalities. Bac Ninh, noted for its rapid industrialisation and urban growth, is also renowned for its intangible cultural heritage, the Quan Ho folk music recognized by UNESCO.

The province’s flagship cultural project, the Quan Ho Folk Song Theatre, was constructed between 2016 and 2020 on a 19,400 m² site in Viêm Xá (Village Diềm) of Kinh Bắc district. Funded entirely by the state budget, the venue cost more than 240 billion Vietnamese dong. Its design draws on traditional Kinh Bắc architecture, incorporating elements such as temple‑style roofs and local wooden furnishings to create a space for performance, preservation and promotion of Quan Ho singing.

Recent reports note that parts of the theatre show signs of deterioration, including cracked stone flooring and peeling walls, prompting calls for restoration work. The venue continues to host public performances, often offering free shows when programs are scheduled.