VietNamNet Bridge – Hanoians and foreign tourists have been learning how Ngoc Linh ginseng grows at an exhibition that opened on Sunday in Hanoi.

A replica of a forest where Ngoc Linh ginseng grows at the exhibition.— VNS Photo Minh Thu

Ngọc Linh Ginseng and Cultural Heritage of Kon Tum has been designed as a forest in the Central Highlands province of Kon Tum where Ngoc Linh ginseng grows in the shadow of ancient trees.

Visitors are enjoying the experience of walking in the forest on Ngoc Linh Mountain, with the sound of birds singing and a stream running by.

The exhibition features 200 objects include installation art, photos, documents, objects and videos introducing the cultural heritage of the province.

It is divided into two parts featuring the cultural heritage of Kon Tum Province (costumes, musical instruments and tools) and Ngoc Linh ginseng (living environment, function and products).

The Xo Dang people also perform music and dance as well as the process of growing and exploiting ginseng.

Prime Minister attends the exhibition on Kon Tum’s cultural heritage and Ngoc Linh ginseng. — VNA/VNS Photo Thong Nhat

Attending the opening ceremony, Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc highly appreciated the exhibition.

He stressed that Ngoc Linh ginseng was a national treasure and a way to develop local economy.

“The exhibition will help develop the province’s socio-economy and tourism,” he said. “It will also help to introduce and promote Ngoc Linh’s ginseng at home and abroad.”

“Ethnic groups in Kon Tum Province have preserved their gong culture, traditional performing arts, intangible and tangible heritage and traditional handicrafts.”

“In the near future, Kon Tum Province will be a leading destination for ecological and cultural tourism of the Central Highlands region.”

Prime Minister Phuc also praised the museum for holding the exhibition.

 “To promote Ngoc Linh ginseng to become a National Treasure, we need to organise more exhibitions like this. We also need strategy for communications, investment, start-ups, product development and human resources.”

Vietnamese ginseng was a rare medical root containing 52 healthy saponin compounds, according to Nguyen Van Hoa, chairman of the Kon Tum Provincial People’s Commitee.

“Ngoc Linh ginseng is appreciated as one of the best in the world, together with Korean ginseng and Changbai ginseng (China),” he said.

Products of Ngoc Linh ginseng on display. — VNS Photo Minh Thu

Scientists have proved ginseng has anti-stress and anti-ageing properties. It helps improve the immune system, liver function and lowers cholesterol. Besides, it also works well with antibiotics and diabetes medication.

“The exhibition presents the natural living conditions of ginseng, the history and research of this plant, and how it has helped local people eliminate poverty,” said Hoa.

Tran Hoan, director of Sam Ngoc Linh Kon Tum JSC, said Ngoc Linh ginseng was worth VND120 million (US$6,000) per kg.

“However, many people buy fake Ngoc Linh ginseng, so the exhibition will give visitors a closer view of this precious medicine,” he said.

The exhibition will run until the end of this year at the National Museum of History, 216 Tran Quang Khai Street, Hanoi.

Source: VNS