From black-and-white footage capturing Hoan Kiem Lake, the Old Quarter, and rows of mahogany trees to contemporary frames of narrow alleys, old apartment blocks, and expanding new urban areas—Hanoi remains one of the few cities continuously tracked by Vietnamese cinema for over seven decades. The most profound shift lies not only in the urban landscape…
Hanoi is currently facing a “familiar” paradox within the cultural industries: the market is large enough, and the demand for spiritual consumption is significantly high, yet creative investment remains a difficult game to navigate. Successful models demonstrate that culture can operate entirely as an economic sector; however, to go the distance, investors and entrepreneurs must…
In recent years, Hanoi has seen a growing number of experiential tours linked to heritage, creativity, and urban life. The common thread among these models is that they do not approach the city as disjointed sightseeing spots; instead, they organize experiences into narrative-driven journeys that connect multiple spaces, layers of memory, and diverse stakeholders. From…
The four heritage tourism routes recently launched in Hanoi do more than just connect 28 iconic monuments; they open a new way to access the past through digital technology. Thang Long’s heritage is now “awakened” via interactive maps, QR codes, and the H-Heritage application. On December 3, 2025, at Quan Thanh Temple, Hanoi, the project…
In November 2025, Hanoi experienced a vibrant and profound “photography season” with the Biennale Photo Hanoi ’25, initiated by the French Institute in Vietnam. Spanning from November 1 to 30, 2025, the event brought together over 170 multi-national artists and featured 22 exhibitions alongside numerous professional activities, transforming streets, cultural spaces, and heritage sites into…
Students in Hanoi are adopting a new approach to urban heritage: learning through experience rather than just classroom lectures. Through cultural activities, extracurricular programs, and community events occurring right within the city, students “touch” heritage through practical, accessible, and emotionally resonant lessons. These experiences enrich knowledge, nurture pride, and foster a sense of belonging to…
