Experience Hanoi’s Ancient Mid-Autumn Festival at Thang Long Imperial Citadel
Each year, the Mid-Autumn Festival lights up Hanoi’s cultural scene and this season, Thang Long Imperial Citadel invites visitors to relive the charm of this timeless tradition.
THE HANOI TIMES — An exhibition in Thang Long Imperial Citadel, Hanoi, running through the end of October, invites visitors to explore both royal and traditional Mid-Autumn Festival celebrations.
The “Royal Mid-Autumn Festival of the Ly Dynasty” section offers an immersive journey into 11th–12th century imperial festivities, showcasing historical documents and paintings that bring royal customs to life, including ceremonial boat races and water puppet shows once performed in tribute to the monarchy.
Meanwhile, the “ Traditional Mid-Autumn Festival” invites visitors to journey back in time through a collection of handcrafted toys and decorative lanterns, including rabbit lamps, star lanterns, drum lamps and double fish lanterns, celebrating Vietnam’s treasured intangible cultural heritage.
Right the Thang Long Imperial Citadel's entrance, visitors are welcomed by nostalgic scenes of childhood with bamboo drums, papier-mâché masks, star lanterns, paper doctors, and moon-watching stick players. Photo: Huy Pham/The Hanoi Times
One corner of the space glows with the vibrant colors of the Mid-Autumn Festival, adorned with all kinds of traditional lanterns.
The simple yet essential five-fruit tray for the Mid-Autumn Festival is surrounded by star lanterns, lion head masks and bamboo drums symbolizing a joyful celebration.
Cellophane lanterns and star-shaped lights were once cherished toys, an essential part of Mid-Autumn celebrations for children in old Hanoi.
The traditional oil-paper carp lanterns of the Mid-Autumn Festival carry the deep cultural spirit of Vietnam.
Paper doctors were once must-have toys on every child’s Mid-Autumn Festival tray.
Steam-powered tin ships were once beloved dream toys for many children in the 80s and 90s.
The funky painted toy drums
The display brings traditional Mid-Autumn memories to life and shares the royal court’s cultural values with both local and international visitors, bridging heritage and community.
