Hanoi nurtures cultural soul through urban change

THE HANOI TIMES — Hanoi’s 2025–2030 development plan, shaped by the upcoming 18th Party Congress [October 15-17], aims to preserve the city’s thousand-year-old identity and keep culture at the heart of its development.

This feels like a natural next step as the 2020–2025 term draws to a close, leaving a clear imprint. Among the rising buildings and newly opened creative spaces, the spirit of Hanoi and its people remains present, enduring and alive in every home, street corner, festival and daily interaction.

Culture – the pillar of urban identity

When the Mid-Autumn moon lights up the old rooftops of Hang Ngang, Hang Gai, or Hang Buom, residents and visitors are reminded of cherished memories: the festive trays of the past, the soft glow of lanterns and the rhythmic drumbeats echoing around Hoan Kiem’s walking streets.

During this term, Hanoi has made strong progress in ensuring that its spirit endures amid modern change.

The city’s authorities have affirmed that culture is no longer a “soft” sector but an internal pillar of development. Hanoi has allocated more than VND5 trillion (US$200 million) to culture and sports, including VND1.7 trillion ($68 million) for restoring relics, building cultural facilities and supporting the arts.

Nearly 200 heritage sites have been restored, raising the total number of recognized sites to nearly 6,000, including 21 national special relics and the UNESCO-recognized Thang Long Imperial Citadel.

Cultural elements are now integrated into urban planning. Infrastructure and transport projects are designed with respect for heritage, old streets and green spaces that connect cultural landmarks.

Pedestrian zones, cultural parks, plazas and experiential heritage spaces are being incorporated from the design stage. Urban renewal projects now prioritize preservation over demolition and replacement.

Hanoi has also become a pioneer in using technology to bring heritage to life. At the Temple of Literature, the Thang Long Imperial Citadel, and Hoa Lo Prison, digital mapping, virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR) and mixed reality (MR) are used to recreate history and enhance visitor experiences. Mobile apps and multilingual guides allow global audiences to explore Hanoi’s culture in new ways.

As a UNESCO Creative City since 2019, Hanoi continues to promote cultural industries and creative spaces. Areas like Phuc Tan, the Tran Hung Dao Mechanical Factory and Long Bien Station are evolving into creative hubs for artists and youth.

Over the past five years, the city has hosted more than 3,000 cultural and artistic events, from Design Week and Ao Dai Festivals to the Hanoi International Film Festival, affirming its role as a center of creativity and cultural convergence.

Fostering graceful and civilized behavior

True urban culture, however, lives in the habits and behavior of citizens. Recognizing this, the municipal Party Committee launched Program 06 (2021) on building cultural values and people, emphasizing civility, creativity and education for the younger generation.

Efforts to promote public etiquette are guided by two Codes of Conduct for civil servants and for public spaces, gradually shaping a modern, polite image of Hanoians.

After four years of implementing Program 06, Standing Deputy Secretary of the Hanoi Party Committee Nguyen Van Phong noted that Hanoi now has concrete cultural achievements that enhance the city’s brand and identity, inspiring creativity and improving citizens’ spiritual life.

Still, challenges remain. In some areas, local leaders underestimate the role of culture; capable cultural officers are lacking and many activities remain formalistic or repetitive. Social media and global pop culture have also influenced youth behaviors, sometimes distancing them from traditional values.

Cultural activities are concentrated in the city center, leaving suburban and rural areas with fewer opportunities and resources. Without appealing, in-depth cultural products, Hanoi risks losing part of its identity in the fast-paced global integration.

Experts suggest that every urban plan or construction project should include a cultural impact assessment.

Modern urban governance must integrate culture with planning, technology, and community participation within one ecosystem, they argue.

The city also needs to strengthen training for cultural officials, support local creative initiatives, and promote distinctive cultural products. Traditional culture should be brought into schools and mobile art programs should reach rural and newly merged areas.

Public spaces around heritage sites, parks, gardens and lighting installations should be developed to give residents more opportunities to experience culture daily.

Online, Hanoi must foster positive communication and quality digital content to create a strong cultural presence in cyberspace.

A city that loses its identity becomes faceless, indistinguishable from others. Hanoi, during the 2020–2025 term, has refused to follow that path. Amid new developments, the capital has preserved its unique cultural “code”: mossy rooftops, narrow alleys, green trees, the sound of traditional music and the grace of its people.

Cultural identity cannot be built by slogans or short-term spending but through long-term vision, woven into planning, investment and every development decision.

By keeping culture at the heart of its strategy and empowering citizens as creators, Hanoi can grow sustainably and remain a city with a soul, where every step connects with living memory.

Culture continues to flow from the heart of the capital to its rural outskirts, inspiring new rural development and ecological, modern and civilized agriculture.

This cultural strength is what shapes a Hanoi that is both modern and deeply rooted in tradition.