On the evening of June 4, the live spectacle In Search of the Dragon Pearl premiered inside the ancient Dragon Pearl Cave, located in Ha Long Bay, Quang Ninh.

Marking the first time a cultural tourism event has ever been staged in a natural cave in Vietnam, the show forms part of Quang Ninh’s broader strategy to develop its nighttime economy.

Dragon Pearl Cave is currently included in the city of Cam Pha’s 2025–2035 tourism development and heritage preservation plan for the Vung Duc scenic complex.

In Search of the Dragon Pearl was written and directed by artist Le Thanh Phong. Music direction was led by People’s Artist Nguyen Huynh Tu, with artistic consultants including Prof. Dr. Nguyen The Ky (Vice Chairman of the Central Theoretical Council), People’s Artists Hoang Quynh Mai and Tong Toan Thang, choreographer Le Viet, and circus director Meritorious Artist Ngo Le Thang.

The performance unfolds a compelling narrative through light, sound, and modern theatrical techniques. It tells the emotional story of a dragon mother and a mythical pearl, centered on courage and the desire for peace.

Entering the cave, guests are met with a surreal atmosphere - vaulted natural rock ceilings rising nearly 16 meters high, pierced by shafts of natural light. Massive stalactites and stalagmites form fantastical shapes, giving the impression of a “natural palace.”

According to music director Nguyen Huynh Tu, the show is more than a theatrical event - it’s a multi-sensory experience. The 40-minute production combines live performance, local cuisine, and the stunning backdrop of Dragon Pearl Cave.

“Traditional instruments rooted in the region's cultural identity are used to honor the natural beauty and spirit of the Vietnamese people,” Huynh Tu shared.

People’s Artist Le Chuc was deeply moved by the show. “It draws on the legend of the dragon mother and her children in Ha Long and Bai Tu Long bays, symbolizing a journey in search of water, fire, faith, and ultimately the ‘dragon pearl’ - which represents coal. It’s a bold concept with philosophical and aesthetic depth.”

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Nguyen Lam Nguyen, Deputy Director of the Quang Ninh Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism, described the show as bold yet carefully planned.

“This event enriches Quang Ninh’s tourism landscape, which many previously associated only with natural beauty. The production team conducted a full environmental impact assessment and implemented fire safety and legal compliance procedures in time for the 2025 summer tourist season,” Nguyen stated.

Dragon Pearl Cave, located in the Vung Duc cave system in Cam Pha, Quang Ninh, is a rare destination that harmonizes geological grandeur with ancient cultural legends. The cave spans over 4,000 square meters and maintains a stable year-round temperature of 23–25°C.

Tinh Le