Imperial Citadel of Thang Long – 15 Years as a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site
In the jubilant atmosphere celebrating the 20th anniversary of the Vietnam Cultural Heritage Day (23 November 2005 – 23 November 2025), we are once again given the opportunity to reflect deeply on the cultural and historical values that have shaped the essence and identity of the Vietnamese nation. Among the countless precious heritages of our country, the Imperial Citadel of Thang Long – Hanoi stands out as a proud symbol, a place where the golden imprints of a millennial capital continue to endure.
The Imperial Citadel of Thang Long was not only the foremost political, military, and cultural centre of Dai Viet for more than a millennium, but also a vivid testament to the continuity, succession, and development of the dynasties from Ly, Tran, Le to Nguyen. Each stone pillar, brick foundation, and archaeological layer unearthed here resembles an unwritten epic, recounting the story of a resilient, intelligent, and prosperous nation that has withstood the tests of time.
On the evening of 31 July 2010 (Brazil time), corresponding to early morning of 1 August 2010 in Vietnam, at the 34th session of the World Heritage Committee, the Imperial Citadel of Thang Long – Hanoi was officially inscribed on the UNESCO World Cultural Heritage List. This recognition was not only an important international milestone but also an everlasting source of pride for the Vietnamese people—an affirmation that the nation’s history and cultural identity had been honoured on the global stage.
UNESCO recognized the Imperial Citadel of Thang Long for its three outstanding universal values:
- Over 1,300 years of uninterrupted historical continuity
- Its role as the political centre of the nation throughout various historical periods
- A rich stratified system of monuments and artefacts, vividly reflecting the evolution of Dai Viet civilization
These exceptional attributes have shaped the unique stature and irreplaceable position of the Imperial Citadel of Thang Long within the treasury of world heritage.
Số liệu & thành tựu nổi bật sau 15 năm bảo tồn (2010–2025)
Over the 15 years since its inscription, the Imperial Citadel of Thang Long has not only emerged as a compelling tourist destination but has also become a leading centre for historical and archaeological research in Vietnam and the region. Conservation, restoration, excavation, and heritage promotion have been systematically and scientifically implemented, reflecting a deep sense of responsibility in preserving the national memory for future generations.
Educational programmes, thematic exhibitions, cultural festivals, and numerous national and international events held at the site have helped transform the Imperial Citadel of Thang Long into a familiar cultural rendezvous—a vibrant space where the past, present, and future harmoniously converge.
