This morning (Oct 15), the Ban Gioc-Duc Tien Landscape Area was officially launched. Prior to this, the news was announced by Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh and Chinese Premier Li Qiang during their talks on Oct 13.
The Ban Gioc-Duc Tien Landscape Area is a cross-border cooperation zone spanning 400 hectares, with 200 hectares on each side.
Last month, in September 2023, authorities in Vietnam and China worked diligently to finalize the necessary arrangements to pilot the Landscape Area. Throughout the development process, both sides maintained close communication, adhering to the stipulated regulations, and continued to collaborate effectively to uphold the three legal documents on the land border between Vietnam and China. As a result, border and territorial stability was maintained.
As quoted by VNA, Vice Chairman of the Cao Bang provincial People’s Committee Trinh Truong Huy emphasized at the pilot operation ceremony that the cooperation model for protecting tourism resources at Ban Gioc Falls (Vietnam) and Duc Tien (China) is unprecedented. It also marks the first cross-border tourism area between Vietnam and China.
During the pilot operation period from Sep 15, 2023, to the present, approximately 950 groups, totaling around 12,000 individuals, have crossed the border to visit and explore the area.
In practice, clearance procedures were efficiently handled by the exit-entry control, customs, and quarantine forces, ensuring flexibility, scientific rigor, and compliance with regulations. This facilitated a smooth process for visitors from both sides entering the Landscape Area. Moreover, the coordination between travel agencies in Vietnam and China in receiving and transporting tourists was seamless and adhered to the laws of both countries.
Prior to the official launch, specialized agencies under the Cao Bang provincial People’s Committee provided strategic advice on the arrangement of stalls showcasing distinctive products and promoting local tourism. They also collaborated with the Trùng Khánh District People’s Committee to supervise and inspect the work of ensuring environmental sanitation and landscaping along the routes within the Landscape Area. These collective efforts ensured that both sides were well-prepared for the successful official operation of the Ban Gioc (Vietnam) – Duc Tien (China) Landscape Area.
The official operation ceremony of the Ban Gioc-Duc Tien Landscape Area was organized by the Cao Bang provincial People’s Committee (Vietnam) and the People’s Government of the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region (China).
How to Visit the Ban Gioc-Duc Tien Landscape Area?
The official operation of the Ban Gioc-Duc Tien Landscape Area holds significant importance in economic development and friendly exchanges along the border, particularly in the realm of tourism growth and people-to-people connections. It also sets a model for cross-border and eco-tourism.
This cooperation model is a key component of the “Belt and Road” initiative and signifies a milestone in elevating the Vietnam-China friendship to new heights. It also demonstrates the goodwill and determination of both nations to foster a peaceful, friendly, cooperative, and mutually beneficial border relationship.
The Ban Gioc-Duc Tien Landscape Area is now officially open as of Oct 15, 2024, with a limited daily capacity of 1,000 visitors per side and a group size of 20 people per delegation. The visiting hours are from 8:00 am Hanoi time (9:00 am Beijing time) to after 2:00 pm Hanoi time (3:00 pm Beijing time).