Crafted entirely from rice plants, a monumental land artwork titled “Carp leaping over the dragon gate” is set to become a striking new draw for visitors to Ninh Binh.
The artwork spans 10,000 square meters in the Tam Coc rice fields, located along the Ngo Dong River in the Tam Coc-Bich Dong tourist area of Ninh Hai commune, Hoa Lu City. The area has been named one of the five most beautiful rice fields in Vietnam.
The image of two carp soaring upward represents ambition, resilience, and the human pursuit of dreams and success. It also pays homage to the cultural and spiritual heritage of the ancient capital region of Hoa Lu.
The rice variety selected to form the image, Thai Xuyen, is known for its sturdy stalks, resistance to pests, and suitability for the local climate and soil conditions.
Artist Nguyen Phuc Khoi, who oversaw the design, explained that the carp is a long-standing symbol of transformation, prosperity, and longevity in Vietnamese culture. Its leap over the mythical dragon gate signifies triumph over adversity.
The artwork is both innovative and deeply rooted in tradition, blending folk elements with the agricultural identity of northern Vietnam - especially in Ninh Binh, where rice farming is central to daily life.
Currently, the rice plants at Tam Coc are blooming vibrantly and growing well, with harvest expected by the end of May. This coincides with the 2025 edition of Ninh Binh Tourism Week: Golden Season of Tam Coc - Trang An, promising a breathtaking rural spectacle at its peak.

The artwork was shaped from rice plants over a 10,000 m² area in the Tam Coc fields. Photo: Tran Nghi

