Cao Bằng
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| Cao Bằng | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Name | Cao Bằng |
| Native name | Tỉnh Cao Bằng |
| Settlement type | Province |
| Coordinates | 22, 40, N, 106... |
| Subdivision type | Country |
| Subdivision name | Vietnam |
| Seat type | Capital |
| Seat | Cao Bằng City |
| Leader title | Chairman of People's Committee |
| Leader name | Hoàng Xuân Ánh |
| Area total km2 | 6700.3 |
| Population total | 530,341 |
| Population as of | 2021 |
| Population density km2 | auto |
| Demographics type1 | Demographics |
| Demographics1 title1 | Ethnicities |
| Demographics1 info1 | Tày, Nùng, Dao, H'Mông, Kinh, Sán Chay |
| Timezone | Indochina Time |
| Utc offset | +7 |
| Area code | 206 |
| Iso code | VN-04 |
| Website | caobang.gov.vn |
Cao Bằng is a mountainous province in the Northeast region of Vietnam, sharing a long border with Guangxi province in the People's Republic of China. The province is renowned for its dramatic karst topography, significant historical sites from the First Indochina War, and as a cultural heartland for several ethnic minority groups. Its capital is Cao Bằng City, which serves as the political and economic center of the region.
Geography
Cao Bằng is characterized by its rugged terrain, dominated by limestone mountains and the expansive karst landscapes of the Cao Bằng Geopark, which is recognized as a UNESCO Global Geopark. The province's hydrology is shaped by the Bằng Giang and Bắc Vọng rivers, which flow through valleys and feed into the larger Bằng River system. It borders the Chinese provinces of Guangxi and Yunnan to the north, and within Vietnam, it is adjacent to Hà Giang, Tuyên Quang, Bắc Kạn, and Lạng Sơn. Notable natural features include the stunning Bản Giốc Waterfalls on the border with China, and the vast Ngườm Ngao Cave system, a major geological attraction.
History
The area has been a significant border region for centuries, historically part of ancient Vietnamese kingdoms and often under the influence or control of successive Chinese dynasties. It gained profound national importance in the 20th century as a revolutionary base; Hồ Chí Minh returned to Vietnam here in 1941, establishing a headquarters at Pác Bó in Hà Quảng District to lead the independence movement. The province was the site of pivotal early campaigns in the First Indochina War, including the Viet Minh's successful attack on Cao Bằng in 1949. Following the Geneva Accords of 1954, it became part of the Democratic Republic of Vietnam (North Vietnam). During the Sino-Vietnamese War of 1979, the province saw significant military action along its northern frontier.
Administrative divisions
Cao Bằng is subdivided into one municipality and nine rural districts. The provincial capital is Cao Bằng City, which is administered as a city under the province. The nine districts are Bảo Lạc, Bảo Lâm, Hạ Lang, Hà Quảng, Hoà An, Nguyên Bình, Quảng Uyên, Thạch An, and Trùng Khánh. Each district contains numerous communes and townships, many of which are home to distinct ethnic communities such as the Tày, Nùng, and Dao.
Economy
The provincial economy is primarily agricultural, with key products including rice, maize, cassava, and forestry goods. Mineral extraction is also notable, with deposits of tin, iron ore, and gold being mined in areas like Nguyên Bình District. Hydropower generation from plants on the Bằng Giang River contributes to the local energy grid. Cross-border trade with China through gates like the Tà Lùng International Border Gate is a growing economic sector, facilitating the exchange of goods and commodities. The economy remains relatively underdeveloped compared to lowland regions, with infrastructure projects like the Hà Nội-Cao Bằng City highway aiming to improve connectivity and stimulate growth.
Culture and tourism
Cao Bằng is a cultural mosaic, home to vibrant traditions of the Tày, Nùng, Dao, and H'Mông peoples, expressed through festivals, traditional markets, and distinctive stilt-house architecture. Major tourist attractions include the monumental Bản Giốc Waterfalls, the historical relics at Pác Bó, and the extensive caves of Ngườm Ngao. The Cao Bằng Geopark offers ecotourism and geological exploration, while cultural events like the Long Tong Festival of the Tày people draw visitors. The province's cuisine features unique local specialties such as phở chua and various dishes centered around roasted duck and forest herbs.
Category:Provinces of Vietnam Category:Cao Bằng