Aesthetic Value - the outstanding global beauty has listed Ha Long Bay as a World Natural Heritage
It has been 30 years since Ha Long Bay was recognized as a World Natural Heritage by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).
On December 17th, 1994, at the 18th session in Phuket, Thailand, the World Heritage Committee recognized Ha Long Bay as a World Natural Heritage with outstanding universal aesthetic value according to criterion (vii) of the International Convention for the Protection of the World's Natural and Cultural Heritage. The first recognition brought a national scenic relic to international level, although the beauty of this place was already known to the people of the country and international friends. This "dressing" with a noble crown truly affirmed that Ha Long Bay is worthy of international status. This is an event of great significance to the whole country, because Ha Long Bay is no longer only of Quang Ninh province, of Vietnam but also of all mankind when it becomes a World Heritage.
Located in the Northeast of Vietnam, in Quang Ninh province, Ha Long Bay has an area of 1,553 square meters, including 1,969 islands (of which 980 have been named). The UNESCO World Heritage Site has an area of 434 square meters, including 775 islands, of which 411 have been named. This is where many famous rocky islands, caves and beautiful beaches are concentrated. These islands are all uninhabited and untouched by humans, with majestic natural landscapes with countless limestone towers, a wonderful example of mature karst in a hot and humid tropical climate.
The beauty of Ha Long Bay is a harmonious combination of landscape, clouds, mountains, water, trees and grass... with the myriad shapes of the limestone islands. It is truly a magnificent work of art created by nature, a harmonious combination of sculpture and painting. What is special is that this work of art always changes shape and color over time and perspective... creating unusual scenes, captivating people from this moment to the next.
The beauty of Ha Long Bay has captivated generations of people, touched the hearts of writers, poets, and artists from ancient times to the present, at home and abroad, becoming an everlasting theme for them to create and praise. "The decision of the World Heritage Council to recognize Ha Long Bay as a World Heritage Site is an international legal affirmation of a Heritage whose global values cannot be denied" (according to Thi Sanh - Ha Long Bay - Journey of a Wonder)./.
Translated by Thuy Ha