The Thang Long – Hanoi Heritage Conservation Centre on December 30 launched the large-scale 3D mapping performance "Imperial Capital of Thang Long" and unveiled a digital experience space at the Thang Long Imperial Citadel world heritage site.

The large-scale 3D mapping performance "Imperial Capital of Thang Long" is launched at the Thang Long Imperial Citadel world heritage site on December 30.

The programme is expected to enhance the quality of the heritage destination while offering the public a novel and engaging approach to exploring the millennium-old cultural legacy.

Held under the theme "Echoes of the Ly Dynasty", the performance recreates the prosperous era of the Ly Dynasty (1009–1225), which laid the foundation for Thang Long to become as the country’s political and cultural centre.

By blending modern projection art with the heritage architecture, the show connects the past and present, evoking pride in national cultural identity and the pioneering spirit of the Ly era.

A highlight is the large-scale 3D mapping projection on Doan Mon (Main Gate), taking audiences through a “time portal” back to the year 1009, when the dynasty was founded.

Historical moments are vividly recreated through the integration of imagery, sound, lighting, and the authentic heritage setting, offering an immersive experience beyond conventional documentary formats.

Alongside the performance, a multi-sensory immersive digital experience space has been developed as a digital heritage ecosystem within the Imperial Citadel.

Technologies such as 3D mapping, holograms, artificial intelligence, virtual reality, and interactive devices are employed to vividly demonstrate the cultural space, royal treasures and court life of the Ly Dynasty.

Through themed zones, visitors can explore history using multiple senses, interact directly with digital content, learn about Ly kings, architectural works and representative artefacts, and take part in creative heritage-related activities.

The approach is particularly aimed at younger audiences, helping to bring heritage closer to contemporary life.

The launch of "Imperial Capital of Thang Long" and the digital experience space marks a new direction in heritage conservation and promotion.

Through the application of digital technologies, the Thang Long Imperial Citadel continues to affirm its role as a creative cultural space, contributing to Hanoi’s goal of sustainably developing cultural industries as a member of UNESCO’s Creative Cities Network.

Also on December 30, an art exhibition themed "A Millennium of Education" opened at Van Mieu – Quoc Tu Giam (Temple of Literature – Imperial Academy) to mark the 955th founding anniversary of the Temple of Literature (1070–2025) and the 950th anniversary of the Imperial Academy (1076–2026), and to welcome the New Year 2026.

Running from December 30, 2025 to March 22, 2026, the exhibition honours Vietnam’s tradition of valuing learning and respect for teachers while reaffirming the Temple of Literature – Imperial Academy as a symbol of intellect, ethics, and the time-honoured cultural traditions of Thang Long – Hanoi.

The event is structured around three main themes: learning traditions of the past; millennium-old Thang Long festivals; and the fusion of learning traditions with festivals, resulting in works both rich in ideology and open in artistic expression.

The artworks depict learning, examinations and academic success, the teacher – student relationship, and the journey of self-cultivation and service to the nation by talented scholars. They also reflect the rich spiritual life in the capital through traditional festivals.

A wide range of materials, including light, wood, silk, metal, poonah paper (known locally as do paper), and ceramics, are combined with contemporary installation and sculptural techniques, offering the public an emotionally engaging and interactive visual experience.

Bac Ninh to host two art programmes to welcome 2026

BAC NINH - Bac Ninh province will organise two special art programmes on the evening of December 31 to welcome the New Year 2026.

A lifetime devoted to quan ho

From the age of six, Nguyen Thi Them accompanied her mother to singing sessions, so Quan ho singing has become an indispensable part of the life of this artisan who was born in Bac Ninh Province in 1959. She is regarded as a nucleus in preserving and safeguarding many ancient and complex quan ho melodies and has successfully passed them on to successive younger generations.

 

Artisans of Nguyen Xa water puppetry village strive to preserve their craft

In the newly upgraded and renovated water pavilion, the lively sound of puppet drums welcomes visitors. “Hearing the sound of the puppet drums, even boiling rice can be forgotten” evokes the special appeal of this folk-art form. However, behind that lively sound, the artisans of Nguyen Xa water puppetry village are concerned about preserving their craft.

 

Exhibition highlights vitality of Vietnamese cultural heritage

The exhibition features nearly 200 images showcasing Vietnam’s cultural heritage and efforts to preserve and promote its values in recent years. It is structured around four themes: the legal and policy framework for heritage protection; Vietnamese heritage recognised by UNESCO; the diversity and uniqueness of Vietnamese cultural heritage; and cultural heritage for sustainable development.

 

Christmas in Vietnam blends faith, culture and national unity

Christmas, also known as the Nativity of the Lord, marks the birth of Jesus Christ and is widely celebrated in many countries as a time for family reunions, sharing love and fostering a warm, joyful atmosphere within families and communities.

 

Sacred road exposes main spiritual entrance to My Son Sanctuary: archaeologists

Reports from archaeological programmes conducted at the site from July to November show that this sacred road and entrance structure have been unearthed for the first time in the known history of the World Heritage Site.