As soon as the folklore art form of Xoan singing was added to the UNESCO list of intangible cultural heritage of humanity, the northern midland province of Phu Tho has made the folk art performances a tourism product. The move has so far proved effective.

Though it takes not so long from her hometown to Phu Tho province, Vu Minh Duc, a Hanoian visitor is yet to enjoy a Xoan singing performance until now. “I feel so lucky to be here today to enjoy such a catchy rhythm which portrays farmers’ life. It’s so intimate and lovely,” Duc said. Nguyen Xuan Hoi , Chairman of Phu Duc Xoan Singing Club in  Kim Duc commune, Viet Tri city, Phu Tho province said he he is so proud that visitors and travel agents are now turning their heads to his homeland as the province has operated tours introducing Xoan singing to public. With a view to ensuring the art form’s longevity making it the province’s revenue earner, Phu Tho’s Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism has integrated Xoan singing into local tour packages. Among those, the tour of “Xoan singing in ancient village” has become a highlight in the province’s tourism map. Nguyen Dac Thuy, Director of Phu Tho province’s Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism said after taking some time to develop, now the complete tourism product has been introduced to visitors. “The tour operates at any times which meet visitors’ requirements instead of solely on celebrations,” said Thuy. Xoan singing has won back Vietnamese hearts and is on its way to gain foreign visitors’ favour. The daily tour will bring tourists to Hung Kings Temple relic site, Hung Kings museum, Hung Lo ancient village and Lai Len temple, contributing to building Viet Tri into a festival city and popularising tours around the province and the city in particular.-VNA