(VOVworld) - A cultural-tourism week honoring terraced fields opened in Mu Cang Chai district, Yen Bai province on Sunday.

Parachute Festival is the first highlight of the 2016 National Cultural Tourism Week of Mu Cang Chai Terraced Paddy Fields. (Photo: The Duyet/VNA)

At the opening ceremony, about 100 ethnic Mong artists performed music featuring the “khen”, a traditional bamboo instrument.

During the week, which runs until Tuesday, there will be a paragliding festival, goat fighting, local sports and traditional products.

The festival is aimed at honoring the national landscape of Mu Cang Chai terraced fields and local ethnic groups’ cultural values, and boosting tourism development in Yen Bai.

The local terraces are among the 2,500 hectares recognized as national heritage sites in 2007 by the Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism.

Luong Thi Xuyen, Deputy Chairman of Mu Cang Chai’s People’s Committee, said: “The cultural and tourism week has been considered a good way for local people in Mu Cang Chai district to be involved in tourism development. The event is held annually. Coming to Mu Cang Chai, visitors can explore the grandiose and picturesque landscapes and traditional cultural features. In the future, Mu Cang Chai will become an attractive tour to visitors.”

On this occasion, Mu Cang Chai will introduce tours to nationally recognized terraced fields and screen documentaries about the history of terraced fields and ancient carved sandstone slabs in Lao Chai commune.