Hanoi’s Old Quarter holds a special position in the historical inner city and the entire capital of Hanoi. It is a unique urban heritage area with traditional craft streets, specialized trading streets, and numerous historical, cultural, and architectural relics associated with the history of Thang Long – Dong Do – Hanoi. The Old Quarter boasts a rich and diverse cultural heritage, both tangible and intangible, and was recognized as a National Historic Site by the Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism in 2004.
The Heritage House at 87 Ma May Street
Recognizing the special value of Hanoi’s Old Quarter, Hoan Kiem District has undertaken various activities to preserve and promote its value over the years.
A series of cultural activities celebrating the 20th anniversary of Hanoi’s Old Quarter being recognized as a National Historic Site will take place from now until December 15, including exhibitions, art performances, and seminars. Some highlights include the “Dong Ta” exhibition introducing the history and culture of Dong Son, the bronze casting craft of the Vietnamese people from ancient times to the present; an exhibition on the traditional medicine trade of old Hanoi families, titled “Stories of Hang Street”; and an exhibition showcasing the achievements of 20 years since the Old Quarter was designated as a National Historic Site, etc.
Visitors at the Hanoi Old Quarter Cultural Exchange Center.
The group of performance activities includes traditional and contemporary heritage music concerts by Dong Kinh Co Nhac and Nha Nhac Cung Dinh Hue; traditional music performances by Dong Kinh Co Nhac and Nha Nhac Phu Xuyen; performances of “Stories of Do” by Dan Do Group; a real-life tour program “Stories of Hang Street”; and exhibitions, art performances, and experiential activities introducing traditional craft villages such as Bat Trang pottery, Dinh Cong silver casting, My Duc embroidery, Chuong conical hat village, Phung Xa silk, and Old Quarter green rice.
Additionally, several seminars will be held, such as “Vietnamese Dong Son Drums from Dong Son – Thanh Hoa to Dong Son Culture” and “The Distinctive Features of Traditional Fine Arts and the Application, Reproduction of Cultural Values in Contemporary Architecture,” along with many other unique cultural and artistic activities.
Through these activities, the organizers aim to introduce the public to some of the cultural heritage values of the Old Quarter and Vietnamese cultural heritage in general, thereby calling on the community to join forces with the authorities in protecting and promoting heritage values in line with the development of the cultural industry.
H.A