Tinh Hoa Bac Bo or the Quintessence of Tonkin is an impressive outdoor water puppetry show that celebrates the culture of the Red River Delta, the ancient cultural hub of northern Vietnam, highlighting the beauty of Vietnamese traditions.

The Quintessence of Tonkin outdoor puppet show reflects the traditional cultural values of northern Vietnam. Photos: Thanh Hai/The Hanoi Times

It’s Vietnam's first outdoor water puppetry show and quickly become a must-see cultural performance for any visitor to Hanoi.

Many artists are local farmers trained for the performances.

The stage is an open-air water theater inspired by the serene surface of a lake surrounded by lush green mountains, capturing the essence of Vietnam. The performance masterfully combines visual elements and sound effects and smoothly integrates dance, acrobatics, and puppetry to authentically portray Vietnamese legends and folklore.

The background of a story about the farming of northern farmers.

This 75-minute show is divided into six segments: Poetry, Buddhism, Nostalgia, Music and Painting, Peace and Joy, and Festivals. Each showcases aspects of Vietnamese culture, beliefs, and the spirit of the people in their labor, education, knowledge, village festivals, and various artistic disciplines such as sculpture and architecture.

Farming stages namely bailing water into the field, catching fish,... are re-enacted on the stage.

Traditional folk elements are presented modern and creatively, offering the audience a unique and memorable experience.

Bailing water into the field for cultivation.

The show features local actors, a large-scale support system of props, the most advanced sound and lighting systems, and a water stage set against the backdrop of Thay Mountain, ensuring an emotional and uplifting experience for the audience.

Farmers are excited about rice harvest.

With over 250 performers on a 4,300-square-meter water stage, the show delivers spectacular and innovative performances of Vietnamese culture, including water puppetry and UNESCO-recognized quan ho (love duet) folk singing.

The show is sparkling at night, reflecting a vivid story of northern Vietnam's cultural life.

The Quintessence of Tonkin in 2018 won the Award for Innovation in Product Design and Development of Stevie Awards.