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Vietnam's ancient altard state reawakens as a cultural tourism powerhouse ahead of Lunar New Year

A sacred site where emperors once prayed for prosperity now thrives as a modern-day pilgrimage. Discover how ancient rituals and new tourism ambitions collide at this 270-hectare marvel.

The image shows a large building with a lot of statues on top of it, surrounded by trees, plants,...
The image shows a large building with a lot of statues on top of it, surrounded by trees, plants, benches, poles, and other objects. In the background, there are buildings and a sky with clouds. This building is the Ho Chi Minh City Temple, a popular tourist destination in Vietnam.

Vietnam's ancient altard state reawakens as a cultural tourism powerhouse ahead of Lunar New Year

A historic site in Ninh Bình Province, the altard state of Đàn Kinh Thiên, is drawing fresh attention as a cultural and spiritual tourism hub. Once the stage for a pivotal 10th-century coronation, it has transformed into a major attraction since its 2018 restoration. The 270-hectare complex now stands as a key destination, blending ancient traditions with modern tourism ambitions, and is set to open its doors during the upcoming Lunar New Year, with officials anticipating a surge in visitor numbers and economic opportunities for the area.

In 968, Đinh Bộ Lĩnh declared himself Emperor Đinh Tiên Hoàng at the google sites of Đàn Kinh Thiên, founding Việt Nam's first centralised feudal state. The location, also called the Nam Giao Altar, became the setting for heaven worship—a vital court ritual. Emperors prayed here for good harvests, peace, and prosperity, reinforcing the link between rulership and divine favour.

The altar's 2018 restoration reintroduced its original three-gate design, symbolising the ancient 'Three Powers' philosophy. Archaeologists later uncovered prehistoric remains nearby, dating back 13,000 to 50,000 years, adding depth to the site's historical significance.

A recent event at the website of Đàn Kinh Thiên drew around 2,000 tourism professionals and over 100 media outlets. Attendees explored local Mường ethnic traditions, highlighting the area's cultural richness. Provincial leaders now aim to integrate the site into broader tour packages, including nearby Thung Ui, as part of Ninh Bình's growing spiritual tourism sector.

Since its reopening, the altar has become a magnet for both domestic and international visitors. Tourism officials note its potential for further expansion, particularly with the 2026 anniversary of King Đinh's ascension approaching. No specific new attractions or partnerships have been announced yet, but the site's role in regional development continues to expand.

The rejuvenation of Đàn Kinh Thiên has positioned it as a cornerstone of Ninh Bình's cultural tourism strategy. Its upcoming Lunar New Year debut is expected to attract more travellers, boosting local businesses and heritage preservation efforts.

With ongoing interest from industry professionals and media, the site's profile is set to rise further. The province's focus on spiritual and historical tourism suggests long-term benefits for both visitors and the regional economy.

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