(HBO) – Symbols of cats, the mascot of the upcoming Lunar New Year, are being displayed at Hoa Binh Square in the northern mountainous province of Hoa Binh to welcome the most important and longest festival of Vietnamese in a year.

Attending the opening ceremony were Secretary of the provincial
Party Committee Nguyen Phi Long; Deputy Secretary of the provincial Party
Committee and Chairman of the provincial People's Council Bui Duc Hinh, and
Deputy Secretary of the provincial Party Committee and Chairman of the
provincial People's Committee Bui Van Khanh, among others.
A large number of local people visited and take photos with the
symbols at the Hoa Binh Square.
This year’s mascot features a nine-member happy cat family – the
zodiac animal for the 2023 Lunar New Year and other symbols representing the
culture of Hoa Binh province such as Can wine, Lam rice as well as outstanding
socio-economic development achievements in 2022.
This is the first time the province has exhibited the symbols of
the mascot during Lunar New Year. The works are expected to create a joyful and
exciting atmosphere to serve the locals and foreign
visitors coming to the province during the traditional New Year Festival./.
As the new year begins and festive spirit fills the air, visitors flock to Hoa Binh lake, often dubbed the "Ha Long Bay on land," to enjoy its breathtaking beauty and serene atmosphere. In spring, the lake comes alive with lush greenery and delicate blossoms, while boats carrying eager tourists glide across its tranquil waters.
With effective business operations, significant increases in the number of visitors at weekends and on public holidays, and being listed among the 71 most beautiful places to visit worldwide by the prestigious US travel magazine Condé Nast Traveller, Hoa Binh’s tourism is "spreading its wings" on its journey towards the targets of welcoming 4.9 million visitors, including 1 million foreigners, and achieving total tourism revenue of 5.4 trillion VND (211.89 million USD) in 2025.
On February 21, the Provincial People's Committee held a conference to implement the tourism plan in 2025 and meet with tourism businesses operating in the province. The event was chaired by Mr. Nguyen Van Toan, the Standing Vice Chairman of the Provincial People's Committee and the Head of the Provincial Tourism Steering Committee.
Tien Pagoda is located in the valley of Lao Noi and Lao Ngoai villages, Phu Nghia commune, Lac Thuy district; it is surrounded by two mountain ranges stretching like two giant dragons reaching for the blue sky. Every year, when spring comes, thousands of Buddhists and tourists from all over the country make a pilgrimage to Tien Pagoda. The relic complex of Tien Pagoda is ranked as a national relic by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism with 21 relic sites of many types: historical and cultural relics, scenic relics, and archaeological relics.
Cao Phong has paid due attention to developing tourism, creating impetus for socio-economic development towards completing the targets set in the resolution of the district’s 28th Party Congress for the 2020-2025 tenure.
A great number of visitors have flocked to tourist attractions in Hoa Binh province in the first lunar month every year to admire the beautiful scenery, fully enjoy the spring atmosphere, and immerse themselves in the festive atmosphere in many localities.