Indulge in "The Land of Blossoming Stones"

When mentioning Ha Giang , people immediately think of the Dong Van stone plateau with its vast rocky mountains, located at an average altitude of 1,000 - 1,600m above sea level; with an area of over 2,354km², spread over 4 highland districts including: Quan Ba, Yen Minh, Meo Vac, Dong Van. With nearly 3/4 of the area being rocky mountains, combined with high mountain terrain and harsh climate, besides corn, the land area for growing rice and other crops is very rare. However, extraordinary will and determination along with the aspirations of prosperity and happiness have urged the people here to strongly rise up in the heart of the arid rocks. They created unique farming techniques on the gray rocks and diligently planted green sprouts to bring back corn, rice, and food for their families and villages.

As if to compensate for the harshness of production, nature here has favored the land with flowers that bloom with vitality in all seasons of the year, such as peach blossoms, plum blossoms, pear blossoms, cotton flowers, rape flowers, buckwheat flowers, mint flowers, chrysanthemums, and cosmos... Among them, buckwheat is considered a symbol of vitality here when it steadfastly grows and blooms in the cold winter. Not only beautifying the rocky mountains, buckwheat is also a valuable food source when the seeds are used to make cakes, ferment wine or feed animals.

In October 2010, Dong Van stone plateau was recognized as a member of the UNESCO Global Geopark Network by the Advisory Council of the Global Geoparks Network. This is the only Global Geopark in Vietnam and the second in Southeast Asia. This event contributed to creating a big "push" for Ha Giang tourism to develop more and more strongly.

Besides the stone plateau, what else does Ha Giang have that in recent years has been continuously recognized by prestigious organizations as “Asia’s Leading Emerging Tourist Destination”, “Asia’s Leading Regional Cultural Destination”, reaching the 25th position out of 52 most attractive destinations in the world ? 12 articles by the authors take readers on a journey to explore the land and people of Ha Giang, helping readers better understand the harmony and connection between the unique cultural features and poetic and unique landscapes that nature has bestowed upon this place.

The starting point of the journey to Ha Giang is the Km 0 milestone. From here, visitors can spread out in many directions. Heading north is to Dong Van stone plateau, experiencing famous attractions such as Lung Cu flagpole, "King Meo" palace, Dong Van ancient town, Ma Pi Leng pass, Khau Vai love market... Heading west is the route to Khun village community cultural tourism village, Hoang Su Phi terraced fields national landscape, Suoi Thau grassland, Tien waterfall - Gio pass, Nam Dan ancient stone field... Each destination has its own beauty and meaning, researched and described in depth by the authors with vivid illustrations, bringing new and interesting discoveries to readers and visitors.

Ha Giang is not only majestic because of its mountains and forests, but also attractive because of the harmony between nature and people. This is the homeland and community of 19 ethnic groups, so the traditional culture is extremely rich, contributing to the creation of diverse and attractive tourism products. Having the opportunity to visit the picturesque ancient villages, learn about the lifestyle and customs of the people here, visitors will be impressed with Nam Dam - a peaceful place where birds sing of the Dao people, Sao Ha village hidden on the rocky plateau of the Mong people, Lo Lo Chai village at the foot of Lung Cu flagpole of the Lo Lo people, or immerse yourself in the land and sky of Khun village... Along with that are the colorful markets, imbued with national identity, giving visitors unforgettable experiences.

Besides, the rivers that make up the name “Ha Giang” make people even more amazed and excited. They are 4 big rivers including: the immense Lo River, the legendary Gam River, the rugged Chay River, the poetic Nho Que River; and many other small branches: Nhiem River, Mien River, Con River, Bac River…

Closing the book, the emotions and unique cultural and tourism experiences in Ha Giang will be the motivation for more tourists to come to this land; at the same time, spreading love and awareness to join hands to preserve and develop this "Land of Blossoming Stones".

Cat Dang

Source: https://baocantho.com.vn/-am-say-voi-mien-da-no-hoa--a188421.html