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During a meeting with a UNESCO delegation led by Jonathan Baker, Chief Representative of UNESCO in Vietnam, Huan highlighted the crucial role that UNESCO has played in the socio-economic development of Ninh Binh Province. He emphasized that since Trang An complex received UNESCO recognition in 2014, it has contributed to local economic restructuring and the development of tourism. Ninh Binh is committed to transforming into a millennium urban heritage site and a creative city with exceptional values. Recognizing the challenges in preserving and promoting heritage values, climate change, and urbanization, the province hopes to receive further assistance from UNESCO. This includes mobilizing international resources for archeological and biodiversity research, as well as implementing advanced preservation measures. Ninh Binh also seeks UNESCO’s support and close cooperation in building a UNESCO charter or declaration for the Trang An landscape complex. Ninh Binh is home to the UN...

There are 38 artworks created by young Vietnamese artists currently on display at the Temple of Literature. These unique pieces are inspired by Japanese ukiyo-e woodblock prints. The exhibition, titled “Dialogue with Japanese Ukiyo-e Woodblock Prints,” opened on January 23. Originating from the Edo period (1615-1868), these vibrant woodblock prints depict various scenes from everyday life in Japan. Ukiyo-e, which translates to “pictures of the floating world,” refers to the licensed brothel and theater districts in Japan’s major cities during the Edo period. The exhibition showcases 38 artworks by Vietnamese artists. Photo: Ngo Minh/The Hanoi Times The ukiyo-e style emerged in 1765 and remained popular until the final decades of the Meiji period (1868-1912). While paintings by contemporary artists were only affordable for the wealthy, ukiyo-e prints were accessible to a wide audience, including commoners, as they could be produced relatively cheaply and in large quanti...

The newly-recognized national treasures are a gold-star bronze drum from the Dong Son Culture that dates back 2,000 years ago and the gold-plated An Dan sword of Emperor Khai Dinh. These treasures are currently housed at the Vietnam National Museum of History in Hanoi. Several artifacts at the Thang Long – Ha Noi Heritage Conservation Centre have also earned the national treasure title. These include a dragon decorated by the Bodhi-leaf roof tile, an architectural terracotta model from the Le So Dynasty, and a pair of stone dragons at the staircase of Thuong Temple from the Le Trung Hung Dynasty. Another national treasure is the Kinh Hoa bronze jar that dates back to the 2nd-3rd century BC. This jar is part of collector Nguyen Van Kinh’s collection in Hanoi. In addition, there are several national treasures in Da Nang city, including the Brahma My Son E1 Relief Sculpture, Shiva My Son statue, and Tra Kieu Apsara Relief Sculpture. Other national treasures include sets of Khan Son an...

Displayed are 160 sets of Ao Dai created by four Vietnamese designers – Ngoc Han, Cao Minh Tien, Che Quyet Tien, and Tran Thien Khanh. During her opening speech, Vu Chi Mai, consul general of Vietnam in Fukuoka, emphasized that the festival’s purpose is to honor the Vietnamese costume and promote popular tourist destinations in the Japanese cities of Fukuoka and Kyushu. Mai shared that the festival helps introduce Vietnamese cultural values to international friends and showcases the cultural essence of both countries. Inoue Hirotaka, vice chairman of the Japan – Vietnam Parliamentary Friendship Alliance in Fukuoka, mentioned that this year commemorates the 10th anniversary since the Hanoi People’s Council and the Fukuoka Prefectural Council signed an agreement to foster exchanges and friendship in April 2014. He also announced that a delegation from the Fukuoka administration would visit Hanoi on January 22 to further promote friendly exchanges between the two sides. The post ...

Hanoi is looking forward to organizing cost-effective and practical festive events in 2024, without any religious fanaticism, as discussed at a meeting on January 23. Huong Pagoda Festival in 2023. Photo: The Hanoi Times The local authorities have been instructed to prioritize safety during these events and ensure that the festivals align with the local socio-economic development. Tran Thi Van Anh, the deputy director of Hanoi’s Department of Culture and Sports, emphasized that the ritual activities should reflect traditional cultures, and visitors should be mindful of their behavior and actions to uphold cultural values and preserve relics. The deputy director also stressed the importance of training relic managers and staff on how to receive visitors and maintain the local environment, safety, and tradition preservation. During the meeting, representatives from local communes and districts in Hanoi expressed their commitment to making their festivals unique and appea...

During Harbin Fashion Week, 28 designers from around the world unite to showcase their unique collections, each representing the culture of their respective countries. The beauty of Vietnamese women is highlighted in the new collections created by talented designer Thuy Nguyen. Thuy presents various long dresses made from traditional fabrics such as cotton, silk and satin, featuring vibrant colors. Each creation is inspired by the stories and dreams that the designer discovered while interacting with local women during her visits to remote locations across the country. The locally acclaimed designer graduated from the Vietnam University of Fine Arts and obtained a master’s degree from the National Academy of Visual Arts and Architecture in Ukraine in 2003. She is not only a renowned fashion designer but also an accomplished visual artist involved in painting, art installations, as well as movie and fashion design. ...

During their state visit to Vietnam, German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier and his wife, Elke Büdenbender, visited the Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre. Elke Büdenbender went behind the scenes and talked to the artists to gain a deeper understanding of the art of water puppetry and their work. As part of their visit to the Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre, the first ladies of Vietnam and Germany received special gifts from the theatre. Water puppetry is a traditional art form in Vietnam that dates back to the 11th century. The shows depict scenes from rural life, including landscapes, bamboo trees, and traditional activities like fishing and rice cultivation. The wives of the Vietnamese and German Presidents posed for a photo with the artists at the Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre. Vietnam and Germany established diplomatic relations in 1975 and elevated their ties to a strategic partnership in 2011. The year 2024 is significant as it leads up to the 50th anniver...