A colossal artwork depicting a flute-playing shepherd boy riding his buffalo amidst the picturesque rice fields in the northern Vietnamese province of Ninh Binh has set the stage for the Ninh Binh Tourism Week 2024, captivating visitors with its intricate beauty and cultural significance.

The depiction of a shepherd playing the flute amidst Tam Coc’s rice fields is a standout feature of this year’s Ninh Binh Tourism Week, themed ‘The Golden Color of Tam Coc-Trang An.’ 

Scheduled from June 1 to 8, the week promises a plethora of special activities. 

The opening ceremony is set to commence at 8:00 pm on June 1 at Dong Gung bus station, within the Tam Coc-Bich Dong tourist area.

This area’s rice field, one of Vietnam’s top five most picturesque rice fields, harmoniously borders the meandering the Ngo Dong River, covering an expanse of over 18 hectares. 

Annually, as May draws to a close and June begins, this rice field is adorned with new colossal artworks, such as the previously showcased carp gazing at the moon and festival flags.

A bird's-eye view of the colossal artwork depicting a flute-playing shepherd boy riding his buffalo amidst the picturesque rice fields in the Tam Coc-Bich Dong tourist area in Ninh Binh Province, northern Vietnam. Photo: Ninh Binh Department of Tourism

This year’s tourism week artwork draws inspiration from the Dong Ho folk painting featuring a shepherd boy playing the flute while riding a buffalo, evoking nostalgia for the quintessential childhood scenes of Vietnam’s ancient northern delta.

For this endeavor, the Thai Xuyen 111 rice variety was carefully selected for its robust plant characteristics, resilience to pests, and suitability to the local terrain.

Since the outset of the year, organizers and locals have been meticulously preparing the land, outlining the design, and planting rice.

The endeavor faced challenges, particularly in crafting intricate details such as eyes, noses, and mouths. 

Even after rice transplantation, meticulous adjustments are necessary to achieve perfection.

A bird's-eye view of the colossal artwork depicting a flute-playing shepherd boy riding his buffalo amidst the picturesque rice fields in the Tam Coc-Bich Dong tourist area in Ninh Binh Province, northern Vietnam. Photo: Ninh Binh Department of Tourism

According to Hoang Thanh Phong, from the Tam Coc-Bich Dong tourist area management board, the timing of rice planting is pivotal in realizing the picture’s intricacies. 

The backdrop of the painting was transplanted concurrently with the locals’ rice fields, whereas the prominent details were transplanted a month later.

“In the rice fields, we’re limited to two colors: green and yellow,” said Phong. 

“Our aim is to craft an artistic masterpiece using these hues, showcasing Vietnam’s most stunning rice fields while paying homage to the beauty of rice cultivation.

“Our chosen theme is the ‘shepherd playing the flute,’ a nostalgic image from the childhood of many Vietnamese. 

“This painting embodies a serene beauty, symbolizing prayers for favorable weather, bountiful harvests, increased employment opportunities, and above all, drawing tourists to our region.”

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