Thousands of tourists both from home and abroad along with local people flocked to the 2014 Ha Long Carnival that opened on April 30 in the northern province of Quang Ninh.

The event, themed “Quang Ninh – Convergence and Pervasion”, highlighted a special 45-minute performance by local artists and 300 from China, Laos and Thailand.

More than 3,800 local artists, both amateur and professional, participated in a parade , showing off special cultural identities of the province and promoting tourism sites, such as Ha Long Bay, Yen Tu relic site, Van Don island and Mong Cai city.

As part of the Ha Long - Quang Ninh Tourism Week, the event aims to spotlight the province’s tourism and cuisine, focusing Ha Long Bay, a UNESCO-recognised World Natural Heritage site.

Last year’s annual event witnessed the participation of more than 5,000 artists and welcomed 25,000 visitors.-VNA