Dazzling ‘Crystal Cloud’ Installation in Vietnam’s Rice Terraces Attracts Tourists And Locals

Vietnam was in the news recently when tourists came to watch ‘crystal clouds’ that were installed in the remote rice terraces of Mu Cang Chai district. It was a step to boost public art and tourism in the area.

The ‘crystal cloud’ that was installed featured 58,000 shimmering heads. The netting was decorated with Swarovski crystals that were draped over towering bamboo and steel poles on the terraced hill in Yen Bai Province. The attractive display was meant to create a romantic atmosphere for tourists. This display of beauty is jointly organized by Vietnam Association of Architects, the Yen Bai Association of Architects and the People’s Committee of Mu Cang Chai district. The installation also honors handicrafts of the Mong ethnic minority in the district. Curious tourists and local farmers thronged to the site to capture the awesomeness of the site.

"This is very unique, I've never seen any outdoor exhibit like this," said tourist Vu Chi Bao. "When the sun shines and reflects on the crystals... it looks wonderful." Farmer Lu Thi Ly said, "We can't believe this many people know about these rice terraces now, these crystals have made them more popular.”

Criticizing the initiative

There were others who took to social media to complain about the installation and said that it spoilt the natural landscape of the terraced fields. "I don't know what is beautiful about it, the original nature is already a masterpiece. It's just going to ruin it," Facebook user Luu Bich posted.

One of the organizers- Le Viet Ha however, guaranteed that the installation has the support of the local residents. He explained that the organizers are committed in not harming the terraced field and the fields will remain intact after the exhibition that will take place from May 19 to October 5. He also added that since the rice cultivation lasts from May to October, farmers are left idle in the period from October to May. They could however do something creative to earn profits off their land.

Vietnam desires to boost its economy by promoting tourism in the area albeit, many a times the controversial tourism projects were criticized whenever it came under public scanner. When a cable car was introduced in the highest mountain in northern Sa Pa in 2016, locals condemned the initiative. When a similar project was introduced in a remote cave in central Vietnam, the project drew a lot of criticism. That said, organizers want to increase the number of tourist visits to Yen Bai and they intend to open dialogue to create art in public spaces.

This exhibition is first of its kind in Vietnam and second in the world. A similar crystal cloud garden was created artists by Andy Cao and Xavier Perrot at Swarovski Crystal World in Australia. This installation in Vietnam was set up to mark the 128th Birthday of late President Ho Chi Minh (May 19).