The opening ceremony drew provincial leaders, tourism officials, businesses and a large crowd of residents and visitors, underscoring efforts to elevate the site into a major cultural tourism destination.
Speaking at the event, Huỳnh Văn Lợi, Deputy Director of the provincial Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism, said the programme is designed to preserve and promote cultural heritage while introducing more creative, audience-friendly formats. Integrating performing arts into the heritage setting would help “awaken” the site and connect past traditions with contemporary life, he said.
Officials aim to develop the programme into a regular, professional production and a signature tourism product. The initiative is expected to diversify night-time offerings, encourage longer visitor stays and enhance the destination’s appeal.
The opening night featured a carefully staged, multi-sensory performance making full use of the historic space. Highlights included royal Chăm dances, Bình Định martial arts demonstrations, the musical piece Tiếng trống Paranưng (“The Sound of Paranưng Drums”), and an excerpt from the bài chòi opera Lễ tấn phong Hoàng hậu (“The Coronation of the Queen”) from the play Huyền Trân công chúa. Folk dances and interactive activities were also included.
Future performances will rotate additional acts such as Chăm jar and fan dances, excerpts from the hát bội opera Quang Trung lên ngôi (“Quang Trung’s Coronation”) from Mặt trời đêm thế kỷ, and further martial arts showcases to maintain audience interest.
Following the launch, the programme will run every Friday from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. between May 1 and September 25. Organisers say it is intended to establish a distinctive night tourism experience in Quy Nhon while promoting the cultural legacy of the Champa civilisation and local traditional arts.