Explore Hanoi's immersive cultural space
Running from August 28 to September 5, the event is expected to attract tens of thousands of visitors, serving as a cultural and creative rendezvous during the National Day holiday.
THE HANOI TIMES — Hanoi has emerged as a cultural centerpiece during the 80th anniversary of the August Revolution and National Day, drawing thousands of visitors to the Hanoi Tradition and Creativity Space 2025.
The event, hosted at the National Exhibition and Fair Center in Dong Anh, showcases a blend of heritage, artistry and innovation, creating an atmosphere of national pride and cultural discovery.
In its opening days, the exhibition welcomed Hanoi People’s Committee Chairman Tran Sy Thanh, together with his deputies Nguyen Manh Quyen, Vu Thu Ha and Truong Viet Dung. Senior leaders from ministries and provinces nationwide also attended, underscoring the event’s significance as part of the country’s milestone celebrations.
Their presence reflects the strong commitment of the city’s leadership to preserve Hanoi’s thousand-year-old traditions while embracing creativity and international integration in the new era.
Themed “Tradition and Creativity,” the space guides visitors through a journey from history to the future with six distinct sections showcasing the capital’s defining cultural traits, time-honored crafts and dynamic innovations.
The handicraft area, “Hanoi’s Golden Touch,” recreates the city’s traditional artistry with ceramics, lacquerware, mother-of-pearl inlays, and bamboo weaving. Miniature versions of the One Pillar Pagoda and the Khue Van Pavilion remind visitors of Hanoi’s enduring legacy.
Meanwhile, the craft village section highlights the vitality of more than 1,000 traditional villages. Artisans demonstrate their skills in pottery, woodwork, and weaving, while recounting stories that reveal the resilience and creativity behind each craft.
Pham Van Hung, a university lecturer from Hanoi, said: “Watching artisans carve mother-of-pearl and weave bamboo was like stepping back in time. I was reminded that these crafts are like living heritage that shows the city's identity best through the skillful hands of its people.”
A strong impression was made in the pioneering technology area, which introduces Hanoi as a hub for digital transformation, with applications of artificial intelligence, smart governance and modern healthcare and transport solutions
The food space presents as a treasure trove of Hanoi flavors. Traditional delicacies such as Vong green rice, Uoc Le pork paste, lotus tea, and o mai fruits invite guests to taste, learn, and take home pieces of Hanoi’s culinary soul. Many visitors find this space a highlight for both tasting and taking photos.
Le Thi Mai, a businesswoman from Danang, said she was thrilled to sample Hanoi’s specialties at the exhibition, describing it as a rare chance to enjoy the capital’s flavors right at the source.
"From Vong young sticky rice to lotus-scented tea, every flavor carried a story of the city. It made me feel the warmth and refinement of Hanoi’s culture in a very personal way," said Mai.
Cultural interaction is another focus, with a section where visitors could try calligraphy, toy figurine sculpting, and traditional fan or conical hat making.
Icons like Saint Giong and landmarks such as the Hanoi Opera House and Dong Xuan Market evoke pride in a millennium-old capital.
The landscape and folk performance area recreate a northern village within the city, where ca tru, tuong and cheo were performed against the backdrop of banyan trees, communal yards and bonsai gardens.
From the first days, the exhibition drew thousands of Hanoians, domestic tourists, and international visitors.
“For the first time, I could see artisans creating pottery and toy figurines right before my eyes. It deepened my appreciation for Hanoi’s traditions,” said Nguyen Thu Trang from Haiphong.
Michael Brown, a British visitor, shared: “I was impressed by how Hanoi blends heritage with modern technology. It is a unique experience unlike other cities I have visited.”
The Hanoi Tradition and Creativity Space 2025 has linked heritage with innovation, affirming the capital’s position as Vietnam’s creative hub and its aspiration to be recognized as a UNESCO Creative City.
Chairman of the Hanoi People's Committee Tran Sy Thanh visits the exhibition. Photos: The Hanoi Times
Vice Chairman of the Hanoi People's Committee Nguyen Manh Quyen shares his view at the exhibition.
Vice Chairman of the Hanoi People's Committee Truong Viet Dung at the fair.
Vice Chairwoman of the Hanoi People's Committee Vu Thu Ha at the exhibition.
