Temple remains are a significant tourist attraction in Quang Nam Province. They are being marked by the Quang Nam Heritage Festival which opened on Saturday in Hoi An. — VNA/VNS Photo The Duyet

by Phuoc Buu

QUANG NAM (VNS)— The fifth Quang Nam Heritage Festival opened on Saturday in Hoi An. It is aimed at both local residents and overseas visitors - and authorities from neighbouring provinces. Hoi An is a highly popular destination in Viet Nam thanks to its well preserved cultural values represented in music, art, craft, buildings and lifestyles.

Over recent years, the Quang Nam Festival has drawn participants from several ASEAN countries and South Korean and Japanese art troupes.

"ASEAN nations should join hands to safeguard their heritage," said Deputy Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc in an opening speech.

Phuc said Quang Nam was the only locality that had three UNESCO-recognised heritage sites - Hoi An Town, My Son Cham towers and Cham Island nature reserve.

Setting the stage: Perfomers gather on stage during the opening ceremony of the fifth Quang Nam Heritage Festival, being held in Hoi An from June 22-26. —VNS Photo Phuoc Buu

UNESCO officials have praised the efforts by local authorities in conserving cultural values in Hoi An and My Son.

They said they had complied well with the UNESCO convention for safeguarding intangible heritage.

Speaking at the opening, UNESCO director general Irina Bokova said the festival was a great chance to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the convention.

Earlier on Saturday, UNESCO and Quang Nam Province opened a joint exhibition to display achievements in conserving and restoring heritage values.

For almost a decade, UNESCO has supported the province in safeguarding heritage sites and supporting craftsmen protecting cultural items.

The exhibition shows craft products and techniques that have been revived thanks to efforts by locals and support from UNESCO.

Seminars on heritage-based tourism and "green" growth for Hoi An were also held during the weekend.

The festival will run until Wednesday. — VNS